Richard "Dick" Hain

Known as the quiet giant from Duck Lake, Richard Dick Hain had a quick smile and a heart of gold. He took a sincere interest in the lives of those he met and did what he could to make life a little better for his fellow man. A successful businessman, he enjoyed his job and his philanthropic work, but his family was of the utmost importance to him. Shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, developments in transportation were paving the way for greater things to come. In 1903, the flight of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, awed all who heard about it and just five years later Henry Ford unveiled his Model T, putting it on the market for $850. During that time, Claude and Flora (Dunning) Hain of LaGrange Township in Cass County, Michigan, stayed close to home and were busy raising their two children, Isabel and David. While the public awaited Fords car, the Hains awaited the arrival of their third child and were delighted when Richard arrived on September 10, 1908. Dicks mother was a teacher and she taught him and his siblings to work hard, to appreciate what they had, and to value education. While attending Niles High School, Richard worked for the railroad as a dolly flopper, the person responsible for throwing the switch. The year after he graduated, the world was sent into an economic tailspin by the stock market crash of 29, and amazingly Richard found a job the following year at a bank. Despite skyrocketing unemployment and long years of economic depression, Dick was able to ride out the storm and he stayed in the banking and loan business until his retirement as a Financial Professional from the Home Loan Company in Muskegon at the age of fifty-two. Richard enjoyed his work and met many interesting people at the bank, but one customer can be credited with changing his life. One day early in his career, he helped a young school teacher named Dora Tonkin who was overdrawn and somewhat embarrassed, just as many other customers had been. However, when he said goodbye to her that day, it wasnt the last time he would see her. Later, he agreed to go on a blind date with the friend of a friend, and recognized his date as Dora, his overdrawn customer. She was adorable and charming, and it didnt take long for her and Richard to decide that they wanted to be together forever. On July 9, 1931, they exchanged vows and left for their honeymoon in Chicago. In 1941, Richard and Dora were horrified to learn of the attack on Pearl Harbor and spent the next four years praying and grieving while World War II raged, but they also had the responsibility of raising their two children. Dick adored the kids, and he and Dora were both involved with the childrens activities, cheering at football games and showing them how to cut a rug while chaperoning dances. Richard served as a Boy Scout leader for many years and always made sure his kids knew he was available for them. Some of their favorite family times were vacations out west. One memorable trip was to Yellowstone National Park, and in 1946 the family had the unique experience of traveling to by train to a wilderness camp in Canada. When the kids moved out and started families of their own, Richard and Dora were welcomed their grandkids at Duck Lake for weeks at a time. They enjoyed white water rafting and horseback riding, and were involved with the Trail Riders of America. After Dora retired, they bought a boat and the family was thrilled to watch her learn to water ski. Richard always looked forward to the holidays when the family was able to spend more extended time together. Richard kept himself busy with several hobbies. He liked rock polishing, and there was always an abundance of beautiful stones at the lakeshore. He made bolo ties and visited the library often to feed his appetite for books. Big band music was always a favorite of his, bringing back memories of good times and starting his toes tapping, and he was a season ticket holder at the Civic Theater. He always enjoyed managing money, and he was never far from a recent copy of The Wall Street Journal. He had even been featured in the Journal and was always proud of that. Dick believed that community involvement was important, and he walked the talk. He served as Fruitland Township supervisor from 1966-1972, was a Shriner, a Mason, and was an active member of the American Business Club from 1947 until he was ninety-seven years old, ranking as one of the three oldest members. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Muskegon and went out of his way to serve his church family. One of his greatest passions was helping the disabled, and he served as a board member at Pioneer Resources, a nonprofit corporation that provides services for persons with disabilities. He was instrumental in the creation of Pioneer Trails Camp, the barrier-free camp run by Pioneer Resources. As a way of demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the mission of this organization, Richard set a goal of having 100 guests bring $10.00 each to his 100th birthday party, to be donated to Pioneer Trails. Although his passing saddens his family, they can take comfort in knowing that his life was long and happy. He has given them wonderful memories that will sustain them through the hard times and they will always be grateful for the many expressions of sympathy and affection they have received. Richard wanted to make the world a better place, and his example will continue to inspire those who knew him. A sister, Isabel, and a brother, David, preceded Richard in death. He is survived by his son, Richard (Bonnie) Hain of Muskegon, Michigan; daughter, J. Marylyn (Charles) Link of Bay City, Michigan; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Richards visitation will be at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. His memorial service will be at the Central United Methodist Church with another opportunity for visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Fruitland Township Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest book, or learn how to send a memorial donation to the Central United Methodist Church Trust or the Community Foundation under Richard & Dora Hain/Pioneer Trails.