Donald John Richards' Obituary
Donald J. Richards, age 79, of New Era, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, unexpectedly
from a fall while battling Alzheimer’s disease. Don was born in White Cloud, MI, on December
11, 1944 to Bert and Eloise (Sweeney) Richards. He graduated in 1963 from White Cloud High
School and went on to attend Ferris State University where he graduated with a degree in
Environmental Health Sciences. Don married Sally (Hansen) on August 23, 1969, in White
Cloud at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. This year would have celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Don was very passionate about the environment. He worked for District Health Department #10
for 35 years. He started as a registered sanitarian and later became the Environmental Health
Director which covered 10 counties, until he retired in September of 2003. Don also served on
the New Era Village Council for 48 years. For 37 of those years, Don served as the Village
President until he resigned in December of 2022. More than anything, Don loved his family and
took great pride in his one and only granddaughter. Don enjoyed the outdoors. He coached little
league baseball, raised cattle, grew amazing gardens, and loved to stack wood, hunt, or just sit in
the woods. Don loved spending time at his log cabin on the property that’s been in his family for
5 generations. Don is survived by his wife, Sally Richards; sons, Eric (Renee) Richards of
Montague, Ryan (Kristie) Richards of Ludington; daughter, Kara Richards of Lansing;
granddaughter, Kayla Richards of Ludington; his loyal cat Mo; brothers Ron (Barb) Richards,
Terry (Judi) Richards; sisters, Carole Manchip, Patsy (Bill) Rottman, Marcy (Larry) Hays;
brothers-in-law, Steve (Marce) Hansen, Larry Hansen and several nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Eloise Richards; brother, William (Rosemary)
Richards; sister, Jeanne (Roger) Albanese; brothers-in-law, Mike Hansen and Tom Manchip; and
sister-in-law Carolyn Hansen. Don said daily, “I love the life I live, and I live the life I love,” and
would encourage anyone reading this to do the same. According to Don’s wishes there will be no
Funeral Services. Arrangements by the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services,
6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and
share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com
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