Richard Wilson

---- — TRAVERSE CITY — Richard Cassam "Dick" Wilson passed away, his children at his side, Aug. 5, 2010, in Traverse City.He is survived by son, Bruce (Barbara) Wilson of Farmington Hills; daughter, Wendy Franklin of West Bloomfield; as well as his sisters, Karen (Edward) Conaway of Traverse City and Linda (Larry) Schwartz of Orion. Also surviving are his six grandchildren, Tiffany Johnson (19), Thomas Johnson (17), Ari Franklin (16), Amanda Franklin (14), Bruce Wilson Jr. (4), and Richard Clark Wilson (4).Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Midge.Dick was born in Detroit to Cassam and Anne Wilson on Dec. 28, 1936. He graduated from Birmingham High School in 1955, and maintained many close relationships with that class. He married his wife, Midge, from the class of '55, on July 7, 1962, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham. He and Midge moved to Traverse City in 1997.After serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Dick began his career in the automobile industry. He worked in various capacities at both Chrysler Corporation and General Motors. During this time, Dick attended school and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Detroit. His experience with Expanded Polystyrene Technology eventually led Dick to start Progressive Foam Technologies in 1992 with his partner, Patrick Culpepper. Dick retired from that company, which was his passion, in 2009. He took a great deal of pride in helping to drive Progressive Foam Technologies to become recognized as a leading innovator of value-added, specialty products for the building industry.Being a child of the 1950s, Dick had a passion for speed. He could often be found cruising Woodward Ave., or racing at the Detroit Dragway. Dick's motto was "too much is never enough" — his cars and boats were a testament to this.A committed Christian, Dick loved his family, and Bay Pointe Community Church, as well as his work.Visitation for Dick will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 13 from 5 until 8 p.m.A celebration of his life will be held at Bay Pointe Community Church at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, with visitation beginning at the church at 11 a.m. Pastor Nick Twomey will officiate.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a gift to the American Diabetes Association, The Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation or Bay Pointe Community Church, where a memorial fund will be established. Contribution envelopes will be available both at the funeral home and at the church.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Richard Wilson

August 5, 2010