Birth date: May 8, 1942 Death date: Jun 15, 2023
Mr. Richard B. Wilson, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 15, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on May 8, 1942 to Lawrence and Frances (Hill) Wilson in Muskegon. A lifelong resident of the area, Dick married Read Obituary
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Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel
6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores MI 49444
Great man, always happy and upbeat
Dear Wilsons,
Today is a day filled with sorrow for your family, and we want you to know that you have our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved.
The "Merkava" family, current and reserved commanders, mourns alongside you, grieving the departure of a cherished, loyal, and remarkable friend.
Throughout his tenure at Teledyne Continental, Dick made invaluable contributions spanning decades to the development of the "Merkava" tank, particularly to its engine. We continue to hold his efforts dear, and they will forever be remembered.
Dick made an indelible mark on our professional domain, but as you well know, it is in the personal sphere that his impact resonates most profoundly. His profound understanding of the Israeli mindset, way of thinking and spirit, coupled with his unwavering respect and deep empathy for the multitude of challenges faced by the Jewish people throughout history made him the perfect mediator between us and his American colleagues. It is impossible to overstate Dick's significance in the ultimate success of the "Merkava" project.
Dick shared a bond with Maj. General Israel Tal, the visionary behind the Merkava project, that resembled that of a father and son. Dick fondly referred to General Tal as "aba sheli," which means "my dad". It is no exaggeration to say that he truly was a cherished member of our family. Whenever a crisis or war unfolded in Israel Dick would fly to Israel, braving danger, to offer his unwavering support and share in our collective sorrow.
When General Tal passed away, Dick immediately booked a flight to attend the funeral, paying his final respects and providing solace.
On behalf of the "Merkava" project team and the long line of "Mantak" commanders who had the privilege of knowing him, I extend my heartfelt tribute to our beloved friend, Dick, as he embarks on his final journey.
May he rest in peace.
Brigadier General Oren Giber
MANTAK’s Commanding General, MERKAVA and Armored Vehicles Directorate
Dick was a super nice guy--from the first time I met him--Dunes Running Club--he always helper with local running events--we would always talk at local YMCA and had a good laugh--he'll be missed
it's so sad!, but I prefer to lean back and remember the beautiful and funny moments along the way… and there were many of them!
Few examples of the sentences we will always remember that he tried to say in Hebrew with an American accent which were so amusing!
Each time when General Tal (Talik) was mentioned he said: "Aba shilanu" ... (it means - this is our father, the father of the MERKAVA program family)
In restaurants he always orders "Yayin lavan Chardonnay bevakasha" (it means - white wine please)
When he tried to convince us that need to build 2 engines not three as we wanted, he said: "Shitayim Lo Shalosh! Tov?"... (it means 2 instead of 3, ok?)
Always tried to make sure we agree, and said: "Nachon Haver Shely?" (it means - is it ok my friend?)
I'm so sorry we didn't have the chance to meet on the last travel to the US, you said we will meet soon in ISRAEL…
We'll always remember you in these funny and beautiful moments.
Thank you, my friend!
My pain and shock of hearing of Dicks passing hasn't set in on me yet. He was the best of people and I was so fortunate to have him as my best friend.
My initial acquaintance with Dick started in Switzerland where he was left behind at the gas station! Thereafter, the fun times at work (often on travel), the stressful times (the same!), at play (including a trip on the Badger and to the UP) and the sad times in between, .... were the best life has to offer... all made possible by Dick. It was incredible how he made time for everyone important in his life, and I was so blessed to have spent more than my share of time with him.
We, the "old boys" of the Israeli Tank Program will greatly miss Dick's special mix of professionalism, humor, dedication, comradship and of course - his one-of-a-kind "hebrenglish": the mix of english and hebrew words, phrases and sentences, he invented.
Dick referred to the founder of the Merkava Tank Program - MG Tal, as "Abba Shelanu" - our father, and hence everyone in the program was immediately deemed family to him. We all felt exactly the same. Dick was, and will remain forever, one of us.
His contribution to the program was tremendous.
Deep condolences to the Wilson family, our family.
Dick, we will miss you dear friend.
BG (Ret.) Yaron Livnat
Dick and me have met before 25 years ago in israel,we spent together a lot time and had great moments ,we did huge projects, many trips and important visits he did celebrate with me my wedding , he likes to visit me home and to spent some times with my famely , he was a great man .
Last time met 3 years ago when he comes only to see frineds at telaviv.
Gudy i stand near you in this hard moment .
Ali aburish
My sincer condolences to the Wilson family. I had the pleasure of working with Dick and thoroghly enjoyed his passion for life and his loyalty to his customers and friends.
Mr. Wilson was a wonderful man, always friendly and we all know the smile he always had. Mr. Wilson was a constant supporter of NMHS and i always knew he would be at our basketball games. And i know he will be welcome in Heaven.
I spent many years babysitting for Chris and Mia. Always a joy when Dick would come home from work and have that infectious smile on his
face. His number one love was his family. He was a wonderful person.
