Reverend Richard Lee Myers

Reverend Richard Lee Myers, age 75, of Gaylord, MI passed away June 24, 2012 in Hastings, MI. He was born on August 30, 1936 in Hastings, son of Floyd and Virginia (Gilding) Myers.

He graduated from Hastings High School in 1954, Otterbein College in Westerville, OH in 1958 and the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH in 1961.

Reverend Myers' career as a minister, from 1961 through 1998, included serving the churches Ludington Grace, Berrien Springs, Horton Bay, Howell, Detroit Waterman, Richmond, Sterling Heights, Dearborn First, Waterford Central and Wyandotte First. He retired from the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1998 to his northern home in Gaylord, MI.

Dick was an avid birder, co-founder of Whitefish Point Bird Observatory and past president of Michigan Audubon. He was active in many environmental issues and loved the outdoors, including hunting, hiking, backpacking and mountain climbing.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Thomas) Myers of Gaylord, MI and his children Andrew (Michaela) Myers of Ithaca, NY, Christopher (Jennifer) Myers of San Diego, CA, Kirk Myers of Dearborn, MI, Michele (William) Crawford of Snohomish, WA and Cheryl (James) Nickolaou of Clarkston, MI, seven grandchildren and one great grandson, brothers Ronald (Jo Ellyn) Myers of Middleville, MI and Philip (Judy) Myers of Hastings, MI.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, 16914 Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, MI, 49768.

A memorial service is planned for August 11, 2012 at 12:00 noon, Hope United Methodist Church in Hastings, MI.

Reverend Myers touched many lives through his ministry and love of the outdoors. He will be missed greatly.