Richard Scott

When reflecting on the life of Richard Scott, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and his infectious smile brought a spark of life to every room he walked into. Nothing brought Rick greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. He was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Dearly loved, Rick will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew him best.

The 1950s in the United States are remembered as a time of great and influential change. The country boomed in the wake of the Korean Conflict, and the civil rights movement was in full swing. It was during this exciting time that Tulon and Maxine Scott of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. On June 25, 1951, which also happened to be Maxine’s birthday, they welcomed their son, Richard Lamar, into the world.

Growing up, Rick was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on the Southwest side of Grand Rapids alongside his two younger brothers, Mike and Jesse. The Scott boys were very close and would spend their summers playing baseball and basketball outside. Each year, Rick’s family took a vacation to visit his grandparents in Missouri, where he and his brothers would pick cotton to help earn money for the trip. When the family vacationed in Traverse City, they would pick cherries as well. Throughout his childhood, Rick attended local schools, including Hall Elementary, South High School, and Central High School. He was very social and outgoing, and he had a reputation for being a charming flirt. Rick loved being the life of the party and hanging out with his friends.

At the age of 18, Rick responded to the call to serve his country and left high school to join the United States Army. He was awaiting deployment to Vietnam when it was discovered that he was color blind. He became a driver for an officer. During his time in the Army, Rick earned the rank of Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was injured while parachuting and returned to Grand Rapids after his discharge from the military. Rick was very proud of his service. After a motorcycle accident later on, he was able to earn his GED and pursue an associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Junior College.

All who knew Rick can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his loved ones above all else. Following his discharge from the Army, he settled down in Grand Rapids, where he met and married a young woman named Susan Pechumer on January 26, 1974. Together, Rick and Susan welcomed their three children into their hearts and home. He thrived in his role as a father, and he loved to have fun with his children, whether that meant taking them roller skating, ice cream, sledding, or to the movies. Rick worked hard to provide for his family as well, and over the years, he built a career for himself working a variety of production jobs. Though his marriage to Susan would eventually end in divorce, he was always grateful for the family they had built together.

Rick found love again with Sharon, who was his opposite and perfectly complemented him in every way. With their marriage, his family grew to include her three children as well, and he took all six of his children on all kinds of adventures. Later in life, Rick was overjoyed to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He was just as fun-seeking as a grandfather, and though he still loved adventure, he was always ready to sit down with his grandchildren and just talk to them as equals. Though Rick was devastated to lose his beloved Sharon in 2003, he was fortunate to be able to spend the rest of his life with Juanita Wert. Rick always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Rick pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He and Sharon loved to entertain, and he could often be found grilling or cooking breakfast for the family. Rick bought cabins in Saugatuck that he called “JW’s Hideout,” which he would rent out or use to host family and friends for the weekend. He was famous for his “hot tub,” a bathtub that he put in the yard to soak in during the summer. For many years, Rick was an avid runner. He enjoyed reading, racquetball, and golf. Rick was involved in stocks, and he loved to go all out for Christmas, giving thoughtful gifts and even dressing up as Santa Claus. He was known for his wonderful stories and his journaling, which he did faithfully. For several years, Rick spent the winter months golfing in Florida. Recently, he lived in Texas so he could be close to his daughter, returning to Grand Rapids every now and then to visit his loved ones.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Richard Scott truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Rick was a friend to many and beloved by all. He exemplified what it meant to lead a life of service to others, and he poured his heart and soul into all that he did. Though he will be deeply missed, Rick leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Richard “Rick” Scott, aged 72, of Leander Texas, and longtime resident of Grand Rapids, passed away on March 18th, 2024. His heart was so full of love for so many years that it stopped beating earlier than expected. At the age of 18, Rick enlisted in the army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. He earned his degree after the army, went on to become a class nine racquetball player, and became an exceptional golfer in his fifties. In his retirement he loved traveling, spending time with family, painting, and yelling at the politicians on TV for trying to ruin the country. Rick was an iconic storyteller who loved life and lived with great passion. His last journal entry read “Never stop feeding the soul”.

Surviving are his Significant Other, Juanita Wert; six Children, Cynthia (Baye) Williams, Lisa Gholson, Troy Scott, Patti (Larry) Dickson, Ronald Cashman, Chad Cashman; Grandchildren: Kalli Gibson, Chase Gholson, Bella and Koren Williams, Trevor and Dallas Scott, Michael, Larry, Brandon and Jennifer Dickson, Dustin, Colin, Winter Crane, Josalyn, Camden, Jerimiah Cashman, and 9 Great Grandchildren; Brother, Mike Scott; Sister, Karensue Scott-Washinifsky; nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his Beloved Wife, Sharon; Brother, Jesse; Father, Tulon; Mother, Maxine, and Step-Mother, Bernice Washinifsky.

Please join Rick’s family as we celebrate his life together on Thursday at 11 am at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.

To read more about Rick, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.