Richard Allen “Rich” Griswold

Rich passed away on April 26, 2022 at Borgess Hospital, three days after his wife Maureen, as a result of a tragic vehicle accident that occurred on April 23, 2022 in Leroy Township near Battle Creek, Michigan. Rich was a native of Muskegon, Michigan and a resident of Pennfield Township, Calhoun County, Michigan. While in high school, Rich ran cross country and track and played baseball. He helped his track team win the State Championships and set a City Majors baseball record. Following high school, Rich joined the U.S. Navy and served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829), obtaining the rating of PN2. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with devices), National Defense Medal, and Navy Good Conduct Medal. During his travels with the Navy, Rich was proud to have become a Golden Shellback, and he was also awarded the Order of the Golden Dragon. After returning home from the Navy, he worked at Grand Trunk/CN Railroad in Battle Creek as a switchman, brakeman, trainmaster, and yardmaster. He retired from his profession after 38 gratifying years. Rich married and had two children prior to meeting and marrying Maureen in 1996. Throughout his adult life, he maintained his passion for running, finishing numerous 5k and 10k road races. In recent years, Rich and Maureen took pleasure swimming in their pool and riding bikes together-or with any other family member willing to take up a challenge to race. On any given day, Rich could be found with a cup of coffee in the morning as he read his paper, another in the middle of the day as he caught up on the latest round of his favorite online game, Trivia Crack, and yet another in the evening as he cheered on the Detroit Tigers. Rich was always ready to watch an action movie, read a good book, or keep those around him entertained with his fun-loving sense of humor. Annually, Rich and Maureen traveled to Florida to join their siblings and friends in the sunshine. Whether in Florida or at home, they loved being outdoors. They also created care packages for their grandchildren to keep them stocked with their favorite goodies. Rich and Maureen were often spotted attending their extracurricular events. Whether it was induction into the National Honor Society or nearly any sports game-baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, or basketball-their hearts were full of pride, cheering loudly to show their support. With a focus on family, they hosted weekly dinners and game nights. The "after-party" was their specialty! They regularly stayed up later than nearly everyone they knew to spend quality time together. At home and about, they were loved. It was with their love and bright personalities that they cared for others and lit up each room that they entered. Their loss will be felt with deep sadness, yet softened by the memories that those who knew them will cherish. Survivors included children and step-children Allen (Kelley) Griswold, Theresa (Brian) Griswold-Barto, Jason (Laura) Williams and Jane (Scott) Darin; grandchildren and step-grandchildren Kelsey Darin, Garret Williams, Cassidy Darin, Sierra Williams, Vincent Barto, Zachary Griswold, and Spencer Williams; and brother Larry (Alvina) Griswold. Rich was preceded in death by his dear sisters Victoria A. Wing and Linda S. Pearson. For the joint life story of Rich and Maureen, follow the link below.

Information from Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, Battle Creek, Michigan online on May 4, 2022

https://www.baxterfuneral.com/memorials/richard-and-maureen-griswold/4921289/obituary.php