Richard Gray

1942 - 2025

Richard "Richie" Gray
Interlochen, MI
02/18/1942 - 03/21/2025
Richard Lee "Richie" Gray, 83, of Lake Ann, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, with family by his side.
Richie was born in the Gray family farmhouse in Lake Ann on a wintry day in 1942, the first son of Edwin and Helen (Nostrandt) Gray. With his two brothers, he enjoyed a childhood on the farm, where he would show his "city slicker" cousins the ropes and where he made friends who became family. While confined to a full leg cast at age five, he developed a lifelong love of reading.
Rich had a strong work ethic from a young age, helping neighbors with odd jobs before he was able to drive. He proudly graduated from high school as an Honor Knight in 1960, and five years later he welcomed his first child, daughter Shelley.
At a New Year's Eve party, a recently divorced Richie spotted a pretty girl coming in the door and declared "I'm going to marry her" - and six months later, on June 19, 1971, he did. Rich and Sigrid (Mick) spent the next (almost) 54 years together raising their family in a home Rich built with his own hands.
Rich was a Master Plumber for most of his adult life, working first for a small company, then for himself. He also greatly enjoyed his years in the maintenance department at Interlochen Arts Academy, making lifelong friends there. Though plumbing was his vocation, he never lost the love of farming, which he continued to do with his son until about a month before his death when his physical body would no longer oblige. Richie was a country boy at heart and didn't travel much, though he treasured Wyoming hunting trips with friends and an Alaskan cruise with his wife. He loved anything John Deere, a nip of Jack Daniel's, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Michigan Wolverines, his trusty suspenders and classic country music.
His sense of humor, especially pranks and the ability to remember every single joke he ever heard, will not soon be forgotten. He was a voracious reader, reading everything he could get his hands on, including the daily newspaper, Louis L' Amour and CJ Box westerns and even People magazines ("I gotta keep up with them Kardashians"). Richie could play a mean game of Euchre, gaining a new favorite partner in grandson Fisher. Rich had a warm smile and welcoming nature, and he wasn't a stranger to anyone for very long. He was the least judgmental person, always lending a hand, a wrench, food or clothing to anyone in need (even if he needed it more). This modesty and sense of giving was admired (and hopefully emulated) by his children. Being a "Rich-Of-All-Trades" brought him much praise in his 83 years, but his wife and children brought him the most pride. Family truly was everything to Rich. He was a loyal and dedicated husband. He was proud of son Zane continuing his love of farming and raising beef cattle with him on the family farm. He was proud of daughter Heather graduating law school and establishing her own law firm. He was proud of daughter Mandy for staying true to her beliefs while winning a local political campaign as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district. He was proud of daughter Shelley's strength and work ethic in providing for herself and her three daughters. Richie was a fixture at his children's and grandchildren's academic and sporting events, where he would cheer on all of the participants as if they were his own. The apples of his eye were most certainly his grandchildren, each of whom he greeted with a special nickname. He was a present, hands-on, steady force in their upbringings, and each grandchild was fortunate to have a unique and special relationship with him.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, his brother Michael, and in-laws Bernard and Harriet Mick.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sigrid; daughter, Shelley Streeter; son, Zane (Danielle) Gray; daughter, Heather (Kirk) Bruce; daughter, Mandy (Justin) Rineer; his grandchildren, Tiffany Mancour, Hillary Streeter, Courtney Streeter, Fisher Bruce, Keelin Rineer, Quincy Bruce, Edwin Gray, Brodie Rineer, and Hattie Gray; his great-grandchildren, Cody, Savannah and Oakley; his brother, Gary "Chuck" Gray and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Though his voice may have been loud, his generosity was often quiet. He bought athletic shoes, winter boots and other necessities for neighborhood kids. He bought meals for veterans. His home (and refrigerator) always had an open door. When a neighbor's house burned, Rich gave the last bill in his wallet without hesitation.
Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please pay it forward in honor of Rich by paying off a kid's school lunch account or providing food or clothing to a local family or adolescent in need.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Lake Ann Brewing Company on Sunday, May 4th with a short service starting at 2 p.m. followed by a meal. All are welcome - please come with love in your heart and a Richie story to share. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia.