Richard Lee Mcewen

Richard Lee McEwen

Muskegon, Michigan

Richard Lee McEwen, 91, beloved father, grandfather, and friend passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 25, 1933, he was the only son of Lee and Ethel McEwen. He grew up a Norseman and loved football, basketball, and being on the water - both Muskegon and Bear Lake where he especially liked ice sailing. In fact, his first job was delivering ice.

Dick attended Albion College for a period prior to joining the army during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Gerane Piirainen, and the two were married on January 22, 1954. They enjoyed 69 years together. During his Army years, Dick was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. The newlyweds lived in married housing on the Army base and began their family while Dick remained combat-ready serving as Army Tank crew. Following his service, Dick began his career at Brunswick before co-founding Mac-Jac Downriggers with his long time friend Jack Carlston. Outside of work and family, he was an active member of First Congregational Church of Muskegon where, together with Gerane, he was instrumental in creating and organizing the Saturday morning community breakfasts. Dick also served his community as a member of the Mona Shores School Board for many years and as President of the Muskegon Sportfishing Association. There he helped with the creation of the Hamilton Reef off of Pere Marquette and the reintroduction of Walleye into the Muskegon watershed. A lover of gardening, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors, Dick enjoyed many years adventuring in camper trailers with Gerane and being outdoors with his sons and dogs. He was a strong, quiet provider for his family and his example of hard work and resilience will be long remembered.

He is survived by sons Scott (Norma), Don (Carla), and Jon (Amy); grandchildren Lee (Mia) McEwen, Lauren (Michael) Mooney, Robert McEwen, Michael McEwen, and Mitchell McEwen; step grandchildren John, Maddie, and Katie Pascarella; great grandchildren Aila and Kaia McEwen and Thomas, Ronan, and Lincoln Mooney; nieces and nephews Susie Butrick and Bob (Laura) Butrick; as well as many friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gerane McEwen, son Thomas McEwen, grandson Kenneth McEwen, and niece Kathy Butrick.

SERVICE

Friday, February 7, 2025

11:00AM

First Congregational Church

1201 Jefferson St.

Muskegon, MI 49441

VISITATION

One hour prior to the service at church.

MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to First Congregational Church Saturday Breakfast Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.