Richard Gibbons, 77, of Reed City, Michigan, passed away after a life filled with service, adventure, friendship, and love.

Born on September 10, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Richard was the son of Richard and Florence Gibbons. As a young man, he developed a love for golf while working as a caddy, a job he remembered fondly throughout his life. He attended Lawrence Technological University, where he earned a degree in Mathematics, served as president of his class, and played on the university golf team.

Following graduation, Richard answered his country’s call to service. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During his service he worked as a Military Policeman and K-9 handler alongside his dog, Fido. His military service remained a source of pride throughout his life, and in later years he was honored by the Reed City community for his service as a Vietnam veteran.

After returning home, Richard began the next chapter of his life. In 1980, he broke ground on and personally designed and built the home in Harrison Township where he would spend the next several decades of his life. There he built a career with the Internal Revenue Service, raised his daughter, and created a home that became a gathering place for family and friends. His years of service earned recognition from the United States Department of the Treasury upon his retirement.

Richard’s greatest joy was his daughter, Elizabeth. Together they traveled, explored, and shared countless adventures. Throughout his life he was fortunate to share meaningful chapters with the women he loved, including Christine, with whom he welcomed Elizabeth, and later Robin, whom he loved deeply and cared for devotedly during her illness until her passing.

To know Richard was to know a man in constant motion. He loved golf, bowling, fishing, boating, travel, and the outdoors. An avid scuba diver with more than 250 dives to his name, he explored waters across the world, including the Galápagos Islands and the Great Blue Hole. He spent many summers aboard his beloved boat, Rum Runner, and countless days fishing with friends on Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair, and beyond.

Not long after retirement, Richard moved to Reed City and quickly became part of the community he would come to love. He joined the VFW, the Moose Lodge, and numerous local organizations, making friends wherever he went. At the Reed City VFW, he served as Quartermaster for eighteen years, dedicating countless hours to supporting fellow veterans and helping strengthen the community around him.

Richard believed that public service was noble and necessary. He believed in giving back to the community and country in which one lived. Retirement never slowed him down. He volunteered his time generously, delivered mail, helped neighbors whenever needed, and remained actively involved in the lives of those around him.

Friends knew they were always welcome at Richard’s home. There was usually a cold beer waiting, a story ready to be told, and laughter not far behind. He was generous with his time, loyal to his friends, and always willing to lend a hand. He was rarely seen leaving the house without first making sure his hair was brushed and in place.

In his later years, Richard found great peace sitting in his sunroom overlooking the Hersey River, surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved cats. There he enjoyed the simple things in life: good company, a beautiful view, and the satisfaction of a life well lived.

Richard taught those around him to love the outdoors, embrace adventure, value friendship, and serve others with integrity. He showed by example that a meaningful life is built through kindness, generosity, and the relationships we create along the way.

Richard is survived by his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Jean Gibbons; granddaughter, Riley Jean Frederick; and grandson, Kody Hunter Frederick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Florence Gibbons, and by his wife, Robin.

He will be remembered as a devoted father, proud veteran, public servant, loyal friend, generous neighbor, and a man who never stopped moving forward. His stories will continue to be shared wherever friends gather, lines are cast into the water, cards are dealt, or a cold beer is raised in good company.

A man in constant motion, but never too busy to share his love of life with those around him.