Richard Boehm

LIFESTORY:

Richard James was born on May 27, 1927. He was the first born child of Richard and Lucretia (Moore) Boehm of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was followed by seven younger siblings: Adaline, Howard, Winston, Gilbert, Larry, Dennis, and Tom. He attended school at Harrison Park Elementary School and then graduated from Union High School in 1944. Richard enlisted in the Air Force during WW II and served overseas in Guam with the 19th Bomber Squadron as an airplane power plant crew chief responsible for engine maintenance.

Even from his earliest age, Richard Boehm had an active and inquisitive mind that was always full of ideas of all kinds. He was energetic and optimistic, never really a man to be still for very long. As much as hard work had a place in Richard’s life, he saw to it that there was always ample room for fun too and of course, made sure that others had a healthy dose of fun in their lives as well. He was mechanically inclined and had great woodworking skills too, often enjoying building something out of nothing. Richard was a tender-hearted man who was generous with both his time and his money and whose family played an important role in his life.

After being discharged in 1947, Richard then resumed his education at Grand Rapids Junior College where he met his future wife. Her name was Betty Peters and she was a fellow student.They dated for about a year-and-a-half and were married on July 1, 1949 at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds began their lives together as husband and wife in Lafayette, Indiana where Richard continued his studies at Purdue University.

With his education behind him, Richard went to work for General Motors which provided him with a career for many years. He first began working at the Bay City carburetor plant, later at the Saginaw transmission plant, and then at the General Motors central office in Detroit and later in Pontiac. Altogether Richard worked for General Motors for over 21 years. In 1972 he left General Motors to move to Colorado where he started his own businesses , Auto Analyst and Astro Tune-up Franchises, which were automotive testing facilities. Richard sold the businesses and retired during the late eighties.

While he was busy establishing his career, Richard and Betty were blessed with the births of three children: Susan Anne, Stephen, and David. One of the things Richard enjoyed doing was working in his garage. His boys joined him working on vehicles with Dad. Richard loved having fun with his children whether they were camping, boating, restoring vehicles, building dune buggies or taking motorcycle trips together. He was always finding something to keep his children, as well as himself, occupied.

Although his work and his family kept him very busy, Richard also enjoyed a variety of other activities. Richard was a Little League coach, president of the school board of Bangor Township while living in Bay City, Michigan. He was a member of the Optimist Club and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, Colorado. He was a church elder and deacon at Shepherd of the Hills Church. Richard was also an avid photographer, tutored young people in reading, and enjoyed a diverse musical palette including everything from classical to ragtime. Richard was gifted in woodworking skills. He built a wooden sailboat, end tables, and bookcases among other things. He built most of his homes in Bay City himself. He was very mechanical and fixed cars even as a teenager. Richard also liked boating, water skiing, and playing cards. He was part-owner of an airplane club and owned 2 planes with his son. He began training for his pilot's license.

There were so many things that made Richard unique and for which he will be remembered. He was a man of strong opinions who even enjoyed playing the “devil’s advocate” in any conversation. Richard had a fabulous memory, was full of ideas, and was outgoing and social. He was energetic and optimistic, loved creating laughter wherever he was, and was generous with his resources. Richard remained close to his siblings and extended family no matter where he was living. After living for 30 years in Denver, Colorado, he returned to Grand Rapids and joined his parents’ church.

Richard conquered several major illnesses. He developed lymphoma and submitted to surgery in 1994. He sustained sextuple bypass surgery and neck surgery as well. In spite of the severity of these illnesses, Richard continued an active and satisfying life. RIchard and Betty returned to Grand Rapids in 2002 and moved into Covenant Village in 2007. While there, Richard of course became active within the community there in a variety of ways. He helped residents' voting procedures and organized games and activities. He organized the O-Lim-P-Add where many residents participated by either competing in "Olympic" events or supporting those who did. He loved electronic gadgets and enjoyed working on his computer. For a time Richard worked security for the facility.

In so many ways, Richard Boehm brought light and life to those around him. He was not one to sit back and allow life to just happen to him, rather he took each moment he was given and made the most of it. When thinking of Richard words such a vibrant, fun, intelligent, and generous come to mind, and it is these traits along with so many others that made him so easy to love. He was a man who worked hard for the family he treasured. Although his family and friends say goodbye, they will hold fast to the memories they have of such an extraordinary man. Richard will be dearly missed.

Richard J. Boehm died on Sunday, November 1, 2009. Richard’s family includes his wife Betty, children Susan Anne (Rev. Bruce) Brooks of WI, Stephen R. (Karin) Boehm of Farmington Hills; David Boehm of CO, grandchildren, Nathan, Kristie, Amy, Justin, and Tyler; and great grandchildren, Hannah and Sophia; his siblings, Adeline Vidro, Winston (Shirley) Boehm, Larry (Barbara) Boehm, Tom (Norma) Boehm, of the Grand Rapids area; Dennis (Pat) Boehm of Kentucky; sister-in-law Jean Boehm of Houghton Lake; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:30PM. Saturday, November 21, 2009 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1934 Bridge NW. Friends are invited to visit with the family at a reception following the service at Covenant Village, 2510 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ or the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the on! line guestbook.