Richard Bishop Obituary

Richard "Dick" Bishop, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at the age of 83, in his home in Bay City, MI surrounded by his family members and is now at peace and at home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born on October 10, 1941, in the same welcoming city, to Leonard and Laura (Coonan) Bishop, he would go on to live a life marked by love, dedication, and a spirit of adventure.

Dick was the beloved husband of Sandra (Borchardt) Bishop, with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with joy and mutual respect. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Dana (Brian) Berthiaume and Kelly (Scott) Hoffman. He was also blessed with the joys of two grandchildren, Kemeny (Lars Ridley) and Jack Berthiaume. Family was the cornerstone of Dick's life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He was the supportive and fun-loving brother to Mary Lou Southwell, Terry (Carol) Bishop, and Michael (Jerry Fair) Bishop. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Colleen Borchardt, and brother-in-law, Randy (Eileen) Borchardt, as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.

Dick graduated from Visitation School and was a proud alumnus of Ferris State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, which laid the foundation for his future achievements. His career was defined by his tenure as the superintendent of the Bay County Road Commission, a role in which he served with integrity and dedication until his retirement. His work not only contributed to the community's infrastructure but also earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates.

Beyond his professional life, Dick's passions and interests painted the picture of a man who embraced life with enthusiasm. A familiar face at Spring Valley, he was an avid golfer who relished every game under the open sky. His creative spirit found expression through wood carving, a craft he pursued with the Tri-City Wood Carving club. His artistic talents were not just a hobby, but a testament to his meticulous nature and an inspiration to those around him.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys in Dick's life was the love he held for his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events, playing games and teaching them how to golf. Every moment spent with them was treasured, and his legacy of love, laughter, and storytelling will live on in their hearts.

Described by those who knew him as adventurous, spirited, and creative, Dick approached life with a zest that was contagious. His ability to see the beauty in the mundane, to tackle challenges with a smile, and to infuse creativity into every aspect of his existence left an indelible mark on his family and friends.

As we bid farewell to Richard "Dick" Bishop, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a journey marked by profound connections, and a story that will continue to be told with fondness and admiration. His memory will be cherished, his stories retold, and his spirit will forever be a guiding light for those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dick's final wish was for no funeral services and for cremation to take place. The family would like to thank the nurses and healthcare providers at Compassus Hospice for their tender loving care of Dick in his last days and family support during this time. In lieu of flowers or money, the family wishes for you to please consider making a monetary donation in Dick's name to the Bay County Humane Society.