Dr. L. Varley

January 6, 2012

WILLIAMSBURG — Dr. Richard Leo Varley, 87, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side Jan. 6, 2012, at his home on Skegemog Lake.He was married to Virginia Ann Duggan for 61 years, who survives. Together they raised nine children in Metro Detroit.Dad was a World War II veteran serving in the European theatre, and secured two Purple Hearts. After the war, he obtained a Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Detroit, and established a successful Dental practice with his late brother, Dr. John Varley.Dad was a family man and enjoyed the Traverse City summers on Lake Skegemog; winter skiing with his kids at Mt. Mancelona/Schuss Mountain; and taking the family to the Lake Matinenda cabin, where the family shared many excursions (by boat) to the waterfalls, diving cliffs, and various nature hikes. He had a gentle means of sculpting souls that took me years to understand.Our "Leader of the Band" leaves a legacy of love and kindness to his surviving children, Margaret Edgington (Tom), Dr. Michael Varley (Suzanne), MaryEileen Dingrando (Jerry), Colleen Herzfeld (Jeff), Dr. Lawrence Varley (Marianne), Trisha Van Deusen (Kurt), Frances Parry (Russ), Tom Varley (Pauline), Chris Varley; and 17 grandchildren.Visitation will take place Thursday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a scripture service at 7 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.The Rev. Fr. Raymond Cotter will preside at The Mass of Christian Burial and celebration, to be held at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 13, at Christ the King Church in Acme, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery, with military rites by the Honor Guard of VFW Cherryland Post 2780.Memorial contributions may be forwarded to Angels' Place, 25240 Lahser Rd. Suite #2, Southfield MI 48033.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.