Richard Allen Hester's Obituary
I’ve decided to write my own obituary. I think I know myself well enough to do that. It all started way back on January 1, 1931. That’s when I was born right here in Muskegon at Mercy Hospital to Margaret and Clyde Hester, Sr. I had an absolutely wonderful childhood where we lived on the Bear Lake Channel in North Muskegon. I believed there was no better place to live in the whole world than right there. Come to think of it, I still feel that way. A lot of time has passed since my “channel days”, but as you can see by my picture, the years have treated me kindly. I had one brother, Clyde, Jr. who, along with my parents, preceded me in death. I am survived by my loving wife Christy and five fantastic children: Kathleen (Mark) Evans, Gina (Ron) Faino, Lynette Hester, Eric (Shelby) Hester, and Kennadi (Aaron Dykstra) Hester; six grandchildren with one on the way: Terese (Anthony) Arevalo, Dan (Kia) Evans, Lou (Niki) Faino, Nick (Nickii) Faino, Sam Faino, Allison Hester, and Kennadi’s baby due in July, and four great-grandchildren: Keegan, Maycen, Connor, and Evelyn. I’m proud to say that I served my country in Korea with the United States Air Force and was a life member of the Don Rea Post VFW in North Muskegon. I have always loved the outdoors, fishing, and all things pertaining to nature. Music has always been a big part of my life. I enjoyed arranging and singing four-part harmony, including barbershop. Actually, I could describe my life as a song…a song with high notes and, of course, some low ones, but it takes that sort of variety to make a pretty melody. I have no complaints. My life was a pretty melody, and I leave on a high note. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lori’s Voice, the organization that provided the beach wheelchair that allowed Dick to swim in Lake Michigan one last time and check an item off his bucket list. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Visitation will be held from 2-4 & 6-9:00 PM on Friday, January 31, 2020 at The Lee Chapel. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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