Holland, MI – Dick, loved by so many, was a great listener and relished being outdoors. He was a faithful and devoted husband to Nora for nearly 52 years. He loved spending time with his son, R.J., and daughter-in-law, Kelli. His grandchildren, Caroline and Hudson, brought him incredible joy and he attended their many school and sport events, rain, snow, sleet, wind or shine. He was a humorous guy who would talk to literally anyone. After a brief and unexpected illness, Dick passed away on June 25, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was 86.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1961 through 1968 and attended Central Michigan University. He worked for General Motors Corporation for 42 years in finance across Michigan and New York for the Chevrolet Motor Division and GM Corporate. He also served for 25+ years on the National Ski Patrol at both Pine Knob and Treetops.
After retirement in 2002, he filled his days as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and as a driver for the elderly to and from appointments in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Dick‘s favorite place on earth was being outdoors whether at their cottage in Black River, MI or their winter home in Southport, NC. A polio survivor, he never took the ability to walk for granted. He was an active person and completed multiple marathons and road races. Dick’s love of the outdoors included fishing, hunting, running, skiing, golfing, and traveling. As of late, his outdoor activity was his daily walks throughout Holland, MI and along Lake Michigan often walking two to six miles a day.
Named Richard but known as Dick, he was born on September 27, 1937, in Flint, MI, to Wilbert E. (Abe) Corning and Virginia Mae Platt. He is survived by his wife Nora J. Corning, son R.J. Corning, beloved daughter-in-law Kelli, and their children Caroline and Hudson, daughter Catherine E. Cheatham (Michael) and her children Kyle and Tyler Shoens, brother David (Shirley) Corning, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Monday, July 8th from 3pm-8pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 2600 Crooks Road Troy, MI. A funeral service and celebration of life service will be held on July 9th at 11:00 am at St. Andrew Church, 1400 Inglewood Avenue, Rochester, MI with burial to follow at the Van Hoosen Jones Stoney Creek Cemetery, Rochester Hills, MI.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dick’s name to the National Ski Patrol or Special Olympics of Michigan.
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