Cyril Richard “Dick” Gawne, age 89 of Sage Lake, MI, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 11, 1934 in Clayton Township to the late George and Lois (McLean) Gawne. At age 18, Dick left the farm to work for Ford Motor Company. He was drafted into the Army shortly afterwards and served for 2 years from 1955-1957. Dick then returned to the Ford Photomedia department and rose to the position of supervisor, retiring in 1990 after 38 years.
Even though they were born in houses across the road from each other, it was not until June 21, 1951 that seventeen year old Dick walked fifteen year old Jean Keeney home from an ice cream social at the Church. Three years later on September 25, 1954 they were united in marriage. They raised 4 children and recently celebrated 69 years of marriage (over 72 years together). Dick spent years building the lake house where they’ve lived full time since 1990. Every corner has his touch and he spent many hours on projects around the house. He and Jean and their prized 1963 Ford Thunderbird belonged to the Rods and Relics Car Club. He liked to golf and play Texas Hold ‘Em with the guys. He greatly enjoyed living on the lake and sharing it with their kids, grandchildren, family and friends. Pontoon tours, tubing, and helping the younger ones fish were favorite pastimes. He often commented on how fortunate he was. He spent much time helping build, tear down, fix or maintain many of the neighbors/friends homes. Dick enjoyed sitting on the road side of the house and had many passersby stop and chat. He genuinely loved all who entered his life and always put others first.
Dick is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Randy (Deborah), Richard (Jacqueline), Robert (Susan) and Renée (Anthony); brother, Jim (Lealla); sisters-in-law, Kay, Sandy, Sonna; stepsister, Carol; grandchildren, Jessica, Melissa (KC), John (Irene), Christopher (Rachael), Cameron (Lindsey), Logan, Connor (Brooke), Presley, great-grandchildren, Nicole, Samantha, Phoenix, Kenlie, Kyren, Jaelyn, Lucy and many loving nieces and nephews. Also longtime friends Jim, Judy, Jenn and Linda
Dick is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ronald and Larry; brothers-in-law, Larry and Harry; sister-in-law Sharon; step-mother Carlea.
Family will have services at the Buresh Funeral Home in Prescott on Monday (Oct 2), visitation 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Tuesday (Oct 3) visitation 10:00am – 11:00am and funeral at 11:00am. Internment at the Clayton Township cemetery with military honors followed by a luncheon. Pastor Jon Essex officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s research will hopefully lead to prevention or a cure. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshefuneralhomes.com to share condolences, memories and photos of Dick.
