Richard James Main

Richard James Main, age 76, of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home, on June 15, 2011. He was born on August 21, 1934 to Marlin and Maitie (Tyler) Main. He attended Lakeview Second Ward School and graduated from Hastings High School in 1953. He married Barbara M. Norton, on October 10, 1953 in Hastings. Dick and Barb were married for 57 years. They had three children. Robert (Ellyn) of Hastings, Ronald of Prescott, AZ, and Jacklyn of Denver, CO. Dick worked at E.W. Bliss for 30+ years as an electrician, retiring in 1997. During his later years on the job, he worked as a field service representative trouble-shooting electrical press problems. This allowed him to travel around the world and even after his retirement he continued to share his knowledge while fixing electrical presses. Dick loved to go fishing on Lake Michigan, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and to travel around the country, often on his motorcycle. In later years, he spent the winters enjoying friends in Gulf Shores, AL. He especially loved following NASCAR races and watching his son play softball. Dick believed in his family and working hard. He enjoyed tinkering and could fix anything for anyone. His vast knowledge allowed him to build his own home in 1963 and remodel rooms from top to bottom. He was a member of the Hastings Free Methodist Church and the Honda Goldwing Road Riders Association. Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara, his three children, his five grandchildren, Cody, Ashley, Kyle, Caitlin, and Sarah, one sister, two brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, William, David, Keith, sister-in-law, Myrtle and brother-in-law, Jack . Visitation will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings, on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Hastings Free Methodist Church on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Rutland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Hastings Free Methodist Church Relay for Life Team, 2635 N. M 43 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058. Envelopes will be available at the church or Funeral Home. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Please visit our website to leave the family a message or memory. girrbachfuneralhome.net.