Richard (Dick) Fassett Sr. of Beaverton passed away at home on May 19th at the age of 90. He was born on July 11, 1932, in Dearborn, MI, to Sherman and Cora (Ingalls) Fassett. He moved with his family to Beaverton in 1945 when he was 12 years old. He attended Beaverton Schools and found a passion for athletics, where he enjoyed playing and competing in basketball and football. After graduating from Beaverton High School in 1952, he began working for Robinson Industries. He also worked in sales at Brown Machine and finished his successful career at Lyle Industries. Many of his customers over the years also became his close friends. In 1957, Dick married MaryAnn Cook at Sacred Heart Church, and they went on to have five children whom he cherished deeply. Dick had various interests over the years and was simply great at everything it seemed. He loved pitching fast-pitch softball in Midland during its heyday. He enjoyed the outdoors and shot his “final” buck on his “40” this past fall; he was so proud! Dick fell in love with walleye fishing at the family “fish camp” near Wawa, Ontario, where so many of his family’s fondest memories of “pops” were made. His tall fish tales will live on through those who loved him for years to come. He enjoyed working in the garden with his son, Jeff and took multiple side x side rides daily to monitor the garden’s progress and attack any weeds that dared to invade. He was a lifelong Michigan State Spartan fan and checked his iPad daily for the latest Spartan news. His sense of humor was legendary, with many “Dick-isms” quoted frequently by those who knew him. Euchre was his game, and he loved to play (especially if he had a good partner). His competitive nature made losing a bit hard on him, but that was one thing that made him so enjoyable. Dick loved music, especially the Statler Brothers, and if you spent much time around him, you undoubtedly would hear him singing a tune. He also was a skilled woodworker and created beautiful furniture and crafts over the years. His family was always proud to show off his talents and work. Whether you knew him as Dick or “Pops,” you knew a great man who worked, loved, and played hard. His contagious and reliable smile will live on through his family, friends, and all who loved him fiercely.
Surviving in addition to his wife Mary Ann, are his children: Rick (Carol Tauck) Fassett of Macomb, Mark Fassett of Gladwin, Jeff Fassett of Beaverton, Amy (Dave) Cote’ of Gladwin and Lori (Andy) Van Slooten of Ada, grandchildren Timothy Cote’, Kate (Heath) Shaner, Dillon (Austin Moag) Fassett, Mitchell (Katie Jourdain) Cote’, Joseph (Madison Rake) Van Slooten, Matthew Van Slooten, Samuel Van Slooten, Mark Fassett, Jr., Ryan Fassett, Alysa Fassett. Great Grandchildren: Logan and Lauren Cote’, Paul, Isaac and Piper Shaner, Clara Fassett, Annika Fassett and Colette Robel, Siblings: Sherman (Joanne) Fassett, Janice (Leonard) Govitz, Mary Lou Voller, Brothers and sisters in law: Duane Dennett, Karen Fassett, Marion Fassett, Gail Fassett. Patricia Greaves, Jim (Marilyn) Cook, Kathy (Dick) Cassiday
He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in law, Ray and Jennie Cook, Grandson James Fassett, Brothers, sisters, and in laws: Kenneth (Sandra) Fassett, Betty (Paul) Mishler, Laveta (Larry) Anderson, Irene Dennett, Gordon Fassett, Robert Fassett, David Fassett, Kathleen Fassett, Nancy (Ken) Powers, Ray McClain, Dell Voller and Jim Greaves.
A celebration of life open house will take place on Friday, June 9th, 4-7pm at The Church of The Brethren, 3783 Shock Road, Beaverton, MI.
Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
