Richard Bidigare, 78, of Hamilton MI passed away at home on Sunday, August 4, 2019 surrounded by his wife and family. He was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he spent four years teaching others how to fly via a simulator. While stationed in Texas he met and married the love and meaning of his life, Betty Janice. She was clearly the best decision of his life. Once Richard was out of the military Janice worked so he could earn his bachelor degree from Oakland University.
From there he was hired by Ex-Cello and continued working in Detroit until he transferred to Holland in 1972. He worked at Ex-Cello which eventually became Micromatic Textron until retirement.
Richard enjoyed attending his children’s activities while they were growing up and extended this love to his grandchildren. He spent most Saturdays watching soccer and Wednesdays babysitting. You could catch him making a bird house or a cat house with one of the grandkids. He also helped his son Scott build two homes. Richard and Janice also spent time with the out of town grandkids entertaining them here in Michigan every summer while they were younger and always visiting them where ever they lived. They even traveled hundreds of miles, babysitting them for more than a week at a time so Michele could visit her deployed husband. His hobbies circulated around transportation, Dick’s passion was hotrods, Harleys and Sailboats, his son and grandkids enjoy Harleys too. He rode weekly with friends exploring all the back roads of West Michigan and enjoyed long trips as well.
Richard accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Southside Church of Christ then transferred to Lakeshore Church of Christ in Holland. The Christian family and friendships that grew out of those two churches including the joy, love and support they have shared has been a blessing beyond measure.
In April 2012 Richard had a stroke that significantly changed his life forcing him home bound for the last couple of years. Through it all Janice has been by his side caring for him with unmatched love and compassion. It would not have been possible without all the love, support, visits, and prayers from their family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice; son Scott; daughter Michele; son-in-law Rex Burkett; grandchildren Braxton, Danielle, Maggie, Addison, Britton, and Claire.
The family will have visitation from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16
th
Street, with a memorial service to follow at 4. In lieu of flowers please donate to Lakeshore Church of Christ or Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care.
www.langelandsterenberg.com
