Richard Dean Rivers died Dec. 12, 2023, from the effects of cancer. He was surrounded by family members and Hospice caregivers at his home in Laurium, MI where he had lived for the past three years. Previously he had lived in Jenison, MI, Cadillac, MI and Marion, MI. He was 89.
Mr. Rivers was born on Oct. 14, 1934. near Cadillac, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Elizabeth Rivers, and sisters Bernadean Lyons and Marguerite Stroh and a brother, Alfred Rivers. He worked in electronics repair, restoring organs and repairing televisions, and in a music store. He also was a personal caregiver.
He married Susan (Hatfield) Herweyer on Nov. 2, 2002. They lived in Marion, then in Cadillac. Together they helped start a music jam and senior fellowship called The Monday Group. Mr. Rivers played guitar and keyboard and provided technical assistance managing the sound system. The couple moved to Jenison in 2011. Mr. Rivers moved to the Upper Peninsula in 2020 due to healthcare needs.
Mr. Rivers was a member of the Cadillac Seventh Day Adventist Church. He enjoyed Bible study with friends, and researched many religious, scientific and historical topics. He also enjoyed drawing and painting.
Mr. Rivers is survived by Susan, his wife of 21 years, step daughters Beth (Dean) Rank of Wyoming, MI; Andrea (Mark) Weston of Central Lake, MI; and Theresa (Larry) Hendershot of Wyoming and several nieces and nephews and their families. A celebration of life is being planned. Mr. Rivers’ remains will be buried in Cadillac Maple Hill Cemetery.