Richard George Dertien

January 5, 1937 - April 12, 2011

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Dick's life and friendship will be announced at a later date.OBITUARY:Richard G. “Dick” Dertien, aged 74, of Fountain, passed away peacefully at his home on April 12, 2011. Richard was born in Wyoming, Michigan to George & Joan (VanDyke) Dertien on January 5, 1937. He graduated from Wyoming Park High School with the class of 1954. Following in his father's footsteps, Dick worked as a professional driver for Colombian Distribution, eventually retiring in 1994. On October 28, 1972, Dick was wed to Madelyn “Lynn” Barman and they spent 38 years together, raising their sons, David and Joseph in the same neighborhood of Wyoming where he had grown up. Following Dick’s retirement, they remodeled their cottage up north on Blue Lake, eventually making that their full time residence.Dick was a loving husband, father and “Papa D.” to his twin grandsons Simon and Oliver. He was a man who made friends easily and made those around him feel welcome and at ease. He loved spending time in his garage, whether it was repairing, sorting, putzing, or chatting over coffee in his “coop”. Friends knew that they could count on Dick’s extensive collections for almost any item they might need for a repair or replacement, and he truly enjoyed being able to help out. Dick was also an enthusiastic sportsman who loved to fish and hunt. He especially enjoyed duck hunting and the camaraderie with members of the “Duck Club”.He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister Donna.Dick is survived by his loving wife and caregiver Lynn; his son David and wife Kacy and their sons Simon & Oliver of Canadian Lakes; his son Joseph of Chicago; his sisters Karen (Tom )Sabin of Traverse City and Nancy (Darle) Vanderwall of Bellaire; his sisters- and brothers-in law JoAnn (Harold) Thome of Comstock Park, Ruth (Jerry) Heim of Irons, and Bill (Kris) Barman of North Carolina. A gathering and celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date at their home on Blue Lake.