RICHARDS, JEFFERY DENNIS

Jeffery Dennis Richards, 66, of Traverse City, died March 31, 2013, surrounded by his wife and family, at Munson Hospice House after a battle with cancer.

Jeff was born March 16, 1947, to Arthur and Theresa Richards, who preceded him in death. His in-laws, Fred and Priscilla Thomas, of Northport, also preceded him in death.  Jeff proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW Cherryland Post 2780 and a lifetime member of the AML Lodge #1, both of Traverse City.

Jeff worked for many years at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, where he met and married Patricia Lynne Thomas on Aug. 16, 1969.

Jeff attended St. Francis grade school and graduated from Central High School. His love of football will always be remembered from the guidance of Coach Ooley. He graduated from Western Michigan University.

Jeff sold medical supplies throughout Florida for many years. After returning home to Michigan he was employed at Brady’s and BATA, where he retired. He continued to work at the Grand Traverse Resort and Lucky Jacks (Timberlanes) until his health declined. Lucky Jacks and the Mohrhardt family will always hold a special place in his family’s lives.

Jeff enjoyed camping with his grandsons and friends, two-tracking in his jeep, floating down all of the local rivers and rounds of golf. He could be found every morning reading one of his morning newspapers and in the afternoon at one of his favorite watering holes.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Patricia Richards; daughter, Danielle; son-in-law, John Campeau; along with his three much loved grandsons, Matthew, Julius and Kyle; his siblings, Thomas (Jackie) Richards, Janet (Bill) Van Bogart and Paul (Jane) Richards; many nieces and nephews; and many great friends.

Cremation has taken place. A brief military honors ceremony was held at 3 p.m. with a celebration of life following on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Cherryland VFW Post #2780, Traverse City.

Memorials may be directed to AC Paws, where Jeff enjoyed helping foster kittens, and Munson Hospice House, where he received compassionate care during his final days.

Please visit Jeff’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the online guestbook and share a message or memory with his family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City, to handle the cremation.

Posted By: Administrator - 08-03-2013
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