Richard "Dick" Wilcox

There are times in life when someone we love and hold so dear slips from our grasp, and our lives are forever changed. Without warning, or time to prepare our hearts, we are left holding mere memories. For those who knew and loved Dick Wilcox, those very remembrances are the cherished treasures he leaves behind. Times of laughter, sharing tears of joy and great adventures. For each new day Dick lived, he made it worthwhile, not only for himself, but for those around him. A devoted and dedicated family man, friend and medical professional, he touched the hearts of many. As the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression, President Roosevelt helped strengthen the economy with the establishment of the minimum wage law in 1938. It was also a year filled with new technology, cartoon favorites and movie greats. The New Year also held great anticipation of new life for Roland and Marian Wilcox of Allegan, Michigan when they welcomed the birth of their first child, a son they lovingly named, Richard, born on February 25, 1938. Richard's father worked for Perrigo Industries as a factory manager and his mother was a librarian. The oldest of three boys in their bustling household, he later welcomed younger brothers, Mike and Tim. He enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, and found his share of adventure and mischief, too. With three scrapping boys in their home, there was rarely a dull moment. Dick attended the local schools, and in high school played the position of quarterback on his high school football team, enjoying great times with friends. After graduating from high school, Dick enrolled at Albion College where he was accepted in an accelerated program. While at Albion, he was a member and president of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After 3 years at Albion, he went on to attend the University of Michigan Medical School. When Dick met a pretty young, math major named Judy Koch, his heart was never quite the same. Although at first they dated off and on, by their sophomore year they were a couple. In time they found themselves deeply in love, and after graduating in 1960, they shared vows of marriage on June 25, 1960. They made their first home together in Ann Arbor where Dick completed medical school while Judy taught school. He graduated in 1963, and focused his medical career as a doctor of radiology. Dick relocated to Grand Rapids where he completed his internship and residency at Blodgett Hospital. It was certainly an exciting time in their lives, especially when they welcomed the birth of their son, Richard, "Rick" that same year and their son Dave two years later. During the turbulent mid 1960's Dick joined the U.S. Army where he served as a radiologist in Korea. After just over a year in Korea he moved on to an Army hospital in Virginia where he rejoined his family and his daughter Julie was born. Back in Michigan, after a fellowship in Ann Arbor, they settled in the Muskegon area where Dick joined a local practice. He eventually began working at Hackley Hospital, remaining there for nearly 30 years. During his time at Hackley, he served as chief of staff and was on the board of directors for several years. He also held membership with the Muskegon County Medical Society. Above all, Dick was a wonderful husband, father and great family man. Nothing brought him greater pleasure than being surrounded by those he loved. When they first came to Muskegon they lived on Applewood Lane, and later built a home on Norton Hills Road. With access to Lake Michigan, he loved days at the beach, taking in the waves body surfing or riding the waters on their jet skis. As a family they worshiped at First Congregational Church. Devoted and attentive to his children, he made time to help with the boys cub scout troops and even coached little league. He was always there for Julies gymnastic tournaments, and Dave fondly remembers road trips with his Dad to his many wrestling matches. With his love of golf, they soon joined the Muskegon Country Club. Dick served on the Board of Directors at the club and twice served as President. With his great sense of humor, he told the best jokes and was an excellent story teller. He enjoyed many friendships professionally and personally, and liked playing a good game of cards, especially gin and cribbage at the club with friends. As a couple, Dick and Judy were very active in the community. They had a great group of neighbors and also kept in touch with friends from college and from their early years in Grand Rapids. These longtime friendships forged over the years meant a great deal to Dick. Dick and his family were always very active. They went on numerous family ski trips to Boyne Mountain and out west to the Rocky Mountains when the children were older. Road trips in their conversion van were always a fun time with vacation destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, trips to Florida and the Boundary Waters of Canada where they took in the wilderness canoeing and camping. After their children were grown with families of their own, they included their grandkids on annual trips to the Barothy Lodge in Walhalla, Michigan on the beautiful Pere Marquette River. Special times were shared there as a family, along with Judys brother and family. When it came time to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Dick and Judy made it a family affair by taking their kids and grandkids on a cruise over New Years Eve. Dick had a special bond with each of his grandkids. He loved them all equally, and uniquely as they brought joy to his heart. The younger ones affectionately called him, "JoJo", and he just loved it! In 1999 when Dick underwent knee replacement surgery, he retired from Radiology Muskegon after serving as its president. With their shared love for travel, he and Judy began traveling even more. They took memorable trips to New Zealand, Tahiti, Spain, Germany, and traveled the Panama Canal. Having just returned from a trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Dick suddenly became ill with pneumonia. Just a quickly as it came on, it also turned for the worse. At the age of 73, Dr. Richard "Dick" Wilcox passed away Sunday, October 30, 2011. A man who was loved deeply, regarded highly and a friend to many, he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Dick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy; sons, Richard "Rick" (Priscilla) Wilcox of Muskegon, Dave (Laura D'Anna) Wilcox of Park City Utah; daughter, Julie (Peter) Strople of Park City Utah; grandchildren, Shea, Donovan, Regan, Brynne, Maura, and Liam Wilcox; Alexa and Dominick Wilcox; Trey, Cooper, and Riley Strople; brothers, Mike (Susan) Wilcox of Pittsburg Pennsylvania, Tim (Diane) Wilcox of Allegan; brother-in-law, Doug (Marcia) Koch of Houston Texas. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, November 3, 2011, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church UCC with Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating. A lunch celebrating his life will be held at the Muskegon Country Club immediately following the service. VISITATION: Wednesday, 5-7 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon and one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gift of Health Fund-MHP. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Dick and to sign his online guest book.