Richard Minter

Richard L. Minter, 78, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at Bronson Hospital. He was a veteran attorney specializing in family law. Licensed in 1973, he brought over 50 years of legal experience to his practice. Key roles during his career included mediator and conciliator.

Richard obtained his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. He received a doctor of jurisprudence from Howard University School of Law. He was also a member of The Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity.

Richard's first job as an attorney was in the corporate counsel office in the City of Detroit. He then moved to Kalamazoo and started his own private practice. He was later appointed by the Kalamazoo Circuit Court judges to serve as Circuit Court Referee, a job he performed brilliantly for many years.

Richard was all of the attorneys' favorite referee because he did such an astounding job and because he often brought the parties together in reasonable settlements.

In his private life, Richard built a beautiful home in Van Buren County on 43 acres of land that he dearly loved. This land includes a stream and two ponds. In 2025 Richard honored this land with a conservation easement through the Southwestern Michigan Land Conservancy, which means it can never be developed beyond its present use.

Richard is survived by his significant other, Connie Laine, and four beloved cats: Sugarbaby, Murphy, Jasmine, and Buster. Richard will be dearly missed by his many friends, colleagues, former litigants before him, and many pets who always adored him, including his special dog Beemer.

Please visit Harper Funeral Home (https://www.harperfuneral.com/) for services details, etc. Visitation is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026 followed by the Memorial Service at noon. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ecumenical Senior Center (https://www.ecumenicalsc.com/).