Richard Joseph Beaudry

A permanent resident of Ann Arbor since 1989, Richard (Dick) Beaudry was born in Detroit MI on July 1st, 1933, to Gertrude (Feldmann) and Euclide Beaudry. He attended St. Matthew elementary school, De La Salle Collegiate High School in Detroit and graduated from The University of Michigan (BSEE) in 1956 and (MSNE) in 1957. He married Susan Pence in 1967, and their son Andrew was born in January of 1969. Richard was divorced in 1996, and he was subsequently married to his loving surviving wife Jane (Kolarik) on June 15th, 1998 in Manchester, MI. Also surviving is his son Andrew (Mary Ann Bednarz), of Howell, MI and his ex-wife Susan, of Tucson, AZ, his brother William (Phyllis Sperry) Beaudry, sister-in-law Carole Mooney Beaudry, and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Beaudry is predeceased by his brother James.

Richard was a pioneer in the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, most recently working with the Detroit Edison C. in this country’s original exploration of atomic energy for commercial power generation. He was initially employed by Atomic Power Development Associated for 16 years, where he worked in research, design, and operation of the nation’s first “fast” commercial nuclear power plant (Enrico Fermi 1); there he worked closely with fellow scientists who came from many countries from around the world to also be in on the “dawn” of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

He then worked for 25 years for Detroit Edison on their Enrico Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant, where he held responsibilities primarily in radiation protection, radiation shielding, safety analysis, and radioactive waste processing. He retired from Edison in 1998.

He was a member of the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Health and Physics Society, and a charter member of the American Nuclear Society., having joined in 1955. He authored and/or co-authored many technical papers, presented at various international meetings (including Oxford, England and the United Nations), authored several magazine articles, and contributed sections to several books on nuclear energy.

The later years of his life were spent enjoying life with Jane and his family, performing in various volunteer services in Ann Arbor and in church, helping people in need, in trying to build up the spiritual side of his being, and in being kind to all. He was a loyal member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He had a keen sense of justice and was a hard worker, both in his home and his outside affairs. He was most generous to his family, acquaintances, and others in need, and his daily life reflected sunshine, helpfulness and happiness, wherever he might be.

Memorial visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel on Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

A gathering of family of friends will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.