Gary Bishop

Gary Lee Bishop, age 74, of Sherman Lake (Richland) went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday evening, June 27, 2016. Gary, the son of Stanley and Dorothy (Roelof) Bishop was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on March 25, 1942 and was a graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School (1960) and Western Michigan University. He retired in 1996 after 33 years with Parchment Community Schools as a teacher, principal and coach. Gary was an active member of Yorkville Community Church and lived his passion of helping others with his work at Tamarack Valley and mission work in Brazil and Mexico. Gary loved the great outdoors with countless adventures in biking, canoeing and camping. His passion for woodworking will last for generations in the many pieces of furniture that he built for family and friends. Gary was united in marriage to Ardith "Ardie" (DeDoes) in Kalamazoo on September 6, 1963 and she sadly preceded him in death on November 21, 2003. Gary and Ardie had 3 children who survive: Thad (Beverly) Bishop of Kalamazoo; Jill (Jeff) Whitcomb of Bryon Center, MI; and Nicole (Chad) Briscoe of Jeffersonville, IN. He is also survived by wife Nancy (Talsma) whom he wed on January 20, 2005. Also surviving are 13 precious grandchildren; his sister, Sara Ann (Sally) Jones of Galesburg, MI; and two brothers, Craig Bishop of Battle Creek and John (Judy) Bishop of Richland. Gary was also preceded in death by his parents. The memorial Service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Friday, July 1st at 11:00 A.M. at the Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083, with the Rev. Shawn L. Raifsnider, Pastor and Rev. Shan Martin, officiating. Final interment will be in the Yorkville Community Church Memorial Garden. Family and friends will continue Gary's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon in the Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the Service. Gary's family will greet friends on Thursday, June 30, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be directed to the Yorkville Community Church.