Richard Mason Litts

Litts, Richard M. 10/16/1950 - 05/00/2024

Richard M. Litts of Grand Rapids, MI died peacefully, surrounded by his

family on 05/22/2024, after a brief illness due to brain cancer. His life was

characterized by love and caring, professionalism, and community service.

Rick was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and graduated from Gull Lake High School in Hickory Corners, Michigan. He was trained as a medical laboratory technician at Elkhart Institute of Technology, working at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital after graduation. After living briefly in Denver, CO, Rick moved to Grand Rapids, where he served 28 years on the GR Police Department as a crime scene technician. He became skilled in cutting-edge technologies, including methods to collaborate with crime victims and eyewitnesses to produce more accurate sketches of perpetrators. Because of his special expertise, Rick was invited to train personnel from other law enforcement organizations.

After retiring from the Police Department, Rick served briefly as a security officer at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Subsequently, he drove a school bus for many years for Kentwood Public Schools, always driving the same route and always loved and respected by his riders. Naturally, he was selected to train new hires for the school district. Rick volunteered in his community as a leader of church youth groups, Boy Scouts, GR Festival of the Arts (Director 1998), and GR Civic Theater. In the mid-1980s, he served two years as Director, Camp O'Malley for Underprivileged Youth. Additionally, he worked closely with a group to restore antique fire department vehicles, including a fire chief's car dating to the early 1900's. Rick was creative at heart, a characteristic that showed through in everything he did. His many watercolor paintings were perhaps his proudest art creations.

He and his wife were known for their generosity; there was always plenty of food and an extra place at their table or an extra bed in the house. Over the years, they hosted more than two dozen youths, including many foreign exchange students. Everyone they welcomed in their home was touched in significant and positive ways, and many returned to visit them years later or invited them to visit their countries for weddings and special events.

Rick is survived by his camping companion and loving wife of 48 years, Landine (Lanny) Litts; his children Erik Litts, Gina (Tim) Morey, Mindy (John Johnson) Litts, Gabe Sams; five grandchildren, Parker Morey, Mason Litts, Ryan Morey, Madelynne Jacobson, Josephine Jacobson; and his siblings Bonnie Litts, David Litts, and Kay Walvoord, nephews Benjamin Litts, DJ Litts and Xavier Smith and a niece, Juliana Litts. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mason and Jeane (Dickerson) Litts, and his mother-in-law, Madelynne Jeffers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made in Rick's name to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth for Camp O'Malley, 235 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or Scout Troop 345G 1044 Parnell Ave NE, Lowell, MI 49331.

A public celebration of life will be held on 06/09/2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FOP Lodge, 1753 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.