Richard Lugtigheid

Richard "Dick" Lugtigheid was a real “jack of all trades,” who could rebuild engines, remodel houses, bargain shop, and even had a genuine green thumb in his garden. At first glance, he could appear a bit rough and tough, but underneath, he had a loving and warm servant’s heart. Dick was a man with a strong work ethic, which he balanced perfectly with time spent relaxing, while tinkering in his garage. He was passionate about the things that he felt really mattered in his life, most notably, caring for those around him.

As the 1940’s began, it was a time of recovery for our nation, as America was finally turning away from nearly a decade of struggles during the Great Depression. Richard and Katherine (Venlet) Lugtigheid, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were looking forward to a new beginning in their lives as well; as Katherine was due to give birth to their first child at any time. They were indeed blessed on January 20, 1941, with the birth of their son, Richard, Jr. Dick, as they called him, was later joined by four additional siblings. As a boy, Dick lived with his family in their home on the corner of Eastern and Atwood, and he developed a strong work ethic at an early age, by delivering newspapers to help support his family. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, but transferred ans graduated from Central High, in 1958. This transfer to Central High paved the way for a fateful introduction to a young girl named Barbara Simkins.

After Dick and Barb dated for a bit, they were united in marriage, on January 10, 1959. Richard supported his young bride through his employment at Doehler-Jarivs, an establishment primarily engaged in manufacturing die-castings of aluminum. The newlyweds were soon blessed with three children, Chris, Scott, and Lori. The family lived for many years in a three bedroom house on Ballard St., S.E., and later settled on the west side of Grand Rapids, on Creek Bluff Place.

As a father, Dick provided his children with many memories which they will forever cherish; Dad’s fresh bread or cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, were among the favorites. Their family took several camping trips and had fun going to Cedar Point, an exciting theme park located in nearby Ohio. His children always remember Dick working in his garage on one project or another, with never enough time to get that 1939 Chevy remodeling finished. Dick worked on his vegetable garden and “manned” the grill, even teaching Lori the secrets to successful grilling.

Dick’s work often kept him very busy; when Doehler-Jarvis left town, Dick became a dispatcher for Spartan Stores for many years, until he eventually started his own business, Dick’s Snowplow Service. When he wasn’t working, Dick found time to relax and enjoy some other interests. He wasn’t the biggest sports fan, but did enjoy betting against the Detroit Lions, just for fun. Dick spent every Saturday at the “clubhouse,” the building which housed his brother Phil’s RV business. Here, Dick would kick back, working on a vehicle, or just having some “adult” beverages with the guys. In the fall, he liked to go to “deer camp,” an autumn version of the clubhouse. Dick enjoyed listening to the music of the Gatlin Brothers, the companionship of the family dogs; Tony, Brandy, or more recently, clubhouse dog Buddy, or hanging out with his two close friends, Harry and Sam.

After 30 years of marriage, Dick and Barb divorced, but he would find love a second time, after just a few short years. Dick met Sara VanderPuy through some friends, and a romance soon ensued. Dick and Sara drove to Muskegon, Michigan where they were married on February 26, 1994. The newlyweds soon headed back for home, and on their way, they picked up a bottle of wine to celebrate!

Although Dick had a double knee replacement, a new shoulder, and back ailments, he never let it slow him down. He always needed to be busy doing something. One year, when Dick planted Fourth of July tomatoes, he actually found ripe tomatoes on the vines on the morning of the Fourth. What Dick soon found out, is that some neighbors had tied these fruits onto his vines as a joke! Dick liked to read the grocery ads, and was never able to pass up a good deal, whether they needed that “deal” or not. He frequented Meijer and Sam’s Club, and kept Sara’s pantry full, earning it the name “Sara’s Sav A Lot!” Dick enjoyed watching Meet the Press, The Price is Right, or monitoring the Weather Channel. He had a real sweet tooth for baked goods.

Life became more difficult for Dick in April of 2008. He took a fall over Buddy's leash and shattered his leg, resulting in two surgeries. He was just starting to try and walk again, and continued to try to operate his snowplow business. He passed away doing what he loved, working in the garage on one of his trucks.

Dick Lugtigheid was a hard-working man who instilled his strong work ethic into those around him. He called things like he saw them, yet never meant any harm to anyone by his beliefs. He had a genuine heart, always helping his children and friends with any needed repair jobs and finding peace and contentment in working. Dick was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard R. Lugtigheid died unexpectedly on December 9, 2008. Richard’s family includes his wife, Sara (VanderPuy) Lugtigheid; daughters, Chris (Kimber) Simpkins and Lori Mikita; son, Scott (Nancy) Lugtigheid; and stepchildren, Lisa (John) Moss and Matthew Anderson. Also surviving are Barbara Lugtigheid; his grandchildren, Cooper, Madison, Abby, Hunter, Dan, Ethan, Tyler, Sophia, Addison, and Emma; siblings Phil (Dottie) Lugtigheid, Laurel Teichert, Linda (Don) Schriber, and Cathy (Jeff) Gilchrist; his special friends, Harry and Sam; and his dog, “Buddy”. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may meet his family on Friday from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from noon until the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory, photo, sign the guestbook if you are unable to attend, or make a memorial contribution to the Arthritis Foundation.