Richard Hedgepeth

1951 - 2024

Richard L. Hedgepeth, a longtime resident of Valparaiso who dedicated his life to the outdoors, environment, and his family and friends, sadly passed away May 3rd from an ongoing health battle. He was 73.

Rich was born in Portsmouth, VA to Patricia Hardesty and Rudolph Hedgepeth. He spent his later years between Portage and Valparaiso, where he was a 1969 graduate of Portage High School. He is survived by wife Jean, and they were happily married for 52 years. He is also survived by his daughters Kathryn Hedgepeth (Scott Stover) and Rachel Hedgepeth, and three grandchildren- Ava, Brooklyn, and Charli Hedgepeth. He is survived by a sister, Aimee Hedgepeth Donley (Rick Donley), nieces Sarah and Katie Donley, and nieces Patricia Slease (Rick) and Jackie Hedgepeth. He was a generous and supportive father-figure for many daughters and sons in the community and had an extensive list of friends he knew deeply and considered just as much family.

Rich was well-read, passionate about the outdoors-and dedicated his life to the preservation and reclamation of northern Indiana waterways in and around Lake Michigan. In 1982, he was a founding member and first President of the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders Association, educating the public on the unique natural resources of Northern Indiana. Holding various leadership positions over 42 years, Rich was integral in stream restoration, habitat protection, and community outreach including introducing new generations to the outdoors.

Other hobbies were being an astute audiophile with a serious record collection, taking guitar lessons, and continuing a lifelong love of live music and concerts. He fished, hunted, hiked, and knew many in those communities. Rich retired from Summers Heating & Cooling where he was an HVAC service technician, and he never forgot a family's name (or their pets' names). He was a unique force that will be missed by all.

All who knew Rich or family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life open house to be held on Saturday, May 18th from 4PM to Sunset (9PM) at the Indiana Dunes National Park pavilion located at the Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk-100 Riverwalk Dr., Portage, IN 46368.

Memorial donations can go to two of Rich's favorite environmental preservation associations: The Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, P.O. Box 701, Chesterton, IN 46304 - or - The Ocean Cleanup www.theoceancleanup.com.