Richard Peckover

When reflecting on the life of Richard Peckover, Sr., it is clear to see that his heart beat to serve those around him in ways both great and small. He was always up for any challenge, and he was forever working on one project or another. Blessed to spend the majority of his days alongside his true love, Dick was an excellent role model for his children and foster children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as his legacy is deeply rooted in compassion, selfless devotion to others, and unwavering faith. Life will never be the same without Rich here, but the lives of numerous others will be forever impacted in a positive way because of his touch.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have faced as a nation due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Although the unemployment rate was on the decline by the year 1938, we still had a long way to go. Big band and swing were among the latest trends in music while Gone with the Wind entertained audiences on the big screen. It was during this unprecedented time that Richard C. was welcomed into the world by his parents, Harry and Ellouise (Brumm) Peckover. He was the younger of two children in his family and was raised in the family home on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids alongside his sister, Nancee.

For the most part Rich, as he was often known, experienced a typical childhood for the youth of his generation. From the time he was a young boy he had an inquisitive and inventive nature about him and was forever working on building or improving something. Always looking to learn more, Rich could often be found working with area builders to add on to his building skills. Imagine his mother’s surprise when she came home to find him adding a porch to the back of the home, which was something she had always dreamed of! With excess energy coupled with a strong work ethic, Dick always had something going. He attended Alger Elementary and the went on to South High School.

By the age of 17 Dick was already establishing himself as a dedicated worker when he opened his own concrete business. He also spent some time working at a local pet store. As someone who was known to take risks and to embrace new challenges, Rich enlisted in the Air Force. However, his time in the military was short-lived as medical issues caused him to be honorably discharged.

After returning from the military, Rich began working in the industry in which he began his career in real estate. He loved being in real estate and worked as a realtor, primarily in residential sales. Dick additionally kept his builder’s license and often kept busy building homes and doing remodeling projects. This was not always conducive to his schedule as his meticulous and ethical nature meant that he often spent countless hours working on a house to get it ready to sell.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Dick’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Mary Jo, and they met at a five year high school reunion. They shared their first date at a Michigan State football game, and a whirlwind romance ensued. Just a few months later, the sweethearts were married on October 27, 1962. Together they raised their seven children, and welcomed into their home many others through the years.

As a father Rich was second to none as he was always there for his children and was prone to spoiling them from time to time. In fact, when one of his children wanted a pony he went ahead and bought one, which also meant moving to a new home that had more room. This brought the Peckover family to an old farmhome that needed a large amount of work, but that suited Dick just fine. The cottage he built on Maston Lake near Trufant became the backdrop for numerous times spent as a family. Rich loved taking the kids out to look for turtles or for rides on the pontoon boat, and he was the one who taught his children to swim as well.

Even in his leisure time away from his hobby of building and remodeling, Rich was one to keep busy. He was a longtime member of 2nd Congregational Church where he served in a variety of ways including as a deacon and helping in various building projects around the church. Many of Dick’s longtime friends were established through church, too. He was an antique car enthusiast who owned a 1918 Dodge Brothers for a time. Dick was secretary of the antique car club that he was a member of for a time. Always in search of a treasure, he loved going to flea markets and garage sales.

Dick and his loved ones were forced to adjust to a new way of life after he suffered a stroke when he was 61. Life drastically slowed down, and it was difficult for him to surrender some of his independence while also asking for help when needed. His mind remained sharp as his limitations were purely physical. Having more restraints on his activity also meant that he had more time to spend with his family free from the activities that had filled much of his time for so many years. Rich loved seeing his grandchildren and teaching them what he could, and because he was cared for in his home by his wife he was blessed with countless hours to be with his loved ones.

A man who used his gifts and talents to serve others, Richard Peckover, Sr. was a blessing to all who were within his reach. He was never one to be idle for long, and his devotion to his family was unmatched. Dick will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

Richard C. Peckover Sr., age 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday evening, March 28, 2014. He is finally free from many years of living in a painful and crippled body. Rich (Dick) was a friend to many. He was a retired realtor and very skilled carpenter. He loved people, animals, plants and antique cars. Rich knew the value of hard work and taught that to his children and grandchildren. Mary Jo, his wife and best friend of 51 years, will dearly miss him. He is also survived by his children and foster children; Bruce (Esther) Peckover, Mindy (Edward) Meyle, Rich (Jennifer) Peckover Jr., Brenda (Timothy) Trumper, Terry Templin, Shari Russell, and Barry Mosteller; 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and his sister, Nancee (Donald) Turnwall. He also welcomed many others into his home throughout the years that were loved and also considered family. Richard has left behind a legacy of love for his family and friends and for God’s amazing creation. He will be greatly missed by his family until, in Christ, we are again together for all eternity. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at 11 AM at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard NW where friends may visit with his family from 9 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice are appreciated. To read more or to share a memory or sign the guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com