Richard S. Waskiewicz

NORTHPORT — Richard "Dick" Stanley Waskiewicz, 68, of Northport, died peacefully Saturday, July 9, 2011, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, with the love of his children, family and friends.Dick was born on Monday, Oct. 19, 1942, to Edward and Stella (Bielas) Waskiewicz in Detroit. At 15 he met the love of his life, Karen Shelburg ,whom he married on October 12, 1963. They spent the next 44 years devoted to each other and their family.Dick was in sales throughout his life and had a long, successful career with Allstate. He and his wife shared a passion for refurbishing their historical Northport home. Dick was known for keeping a meticulous yard and the geese that "moved" around in it. He developed an interest and talent for cooking, always looking for new recipes to try.Dick had many interests but his number one priority was Karen, his children and grandchildren, who fondly called him B-Pa. He became an inspiration to his family after the loss of his wife and facing his own cancer diagnosis. Dick believed every day was a "great day" no matter the obstacle.Dick is survived by his children, Richie and his wife Missy Waskiewicz, of Traverse City, David and his wife Amanda Waskiewicz, of Suttons Bay, Kristen and her husband Joe Borak and Janie Waskiewicz, all of Traverse City. Dick also is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Riley, Macey, Parker, Emma, Liam, Addi Jane and Bryn Waskiewicz and Ava and Ben Borak; by his siblings, Don (Rochelle Lester) Waskiewicz, of Punta Gorda, Fla., Ed (MaryLee) Waskiewicz, of Allen Park, Alice (Russ) Good, of Trenton; his sister-in-law Bernie Waskiewicz, of Trenton, and his brother in-law Lou (Mary) Shelburg, of East Lansing. Also surviving is Nancy Wick, their dear family friend, along with many nieces, nephews and Dick's many friends, including his Friday night group.In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by the love of his life, Karen, and his best friend, Jim Wick. Visitation for Dick will take place today, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 13, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Northport with their dear family friend, The Rev. Fr. James Gardiner, presiding. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Omena.The family asks that Dick be remembered through memorial gifts to Munson Hospice House c/o The Munson Regional Healthcare Foundation.Please share your memories of Dick with his family by way of his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.