Richard Kenneth Neil

Richard Kenneth Neil (Dick), 86, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Friday after a long, wonderful life that touched the hearts of many. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Florence Storms Neil and his brother, Herbert Neil Jr. He is survived by his wife, Marie, son, Ken, daughter-in-law, Ami, grandchildren, Kennedy and Payton and daughter, Emily, son-in-law, Ted, and grandchildren, Bennett and Lilly. He was the most engaged and supportive dad, loyal husband, doting papa and devoted son. His family was the center of his life and we all shone bright under his light.

Dick was born on September 24, 1935 in Schenectady, NY. Throughout his childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, he was a camper, counselor and assistant water director at the YMCA Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, New York. He loved retelling stories from his summers at camp. Dick was a proud Eagle Scout along with his father and brother. Dick served as a mentor and career educator to students in Grand Rapids and Detroit and served part-time in the Air National Guard from 1958-1964.

After Dick graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1953, he went on to study at Dartmouth College, then completed his Bachelor and MBA degrees at his beloved University of Michigan where he attended his first football game at three years old and continued to be an avid fan for decades to follow.

In 1955, Dick met Marie on her first day at University of Michigan. They were married in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on June 26, 1959. Their Michigan marriage was a family tradition preceded by his parents and brother and followed by their daughter.

Dick started his first job in the buying department at Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan. He continued his retail career at J.L. Hudson in Detroit, and then moved to Grand Rapids where he was a buyer/merchandiser at Steketee’s for 13 years then spent 21 years at Meijer. He loved building professional and personal relationships with colleagues locally, across the US and in Asia.

In 2001, Dick retired and enjoyed much time with his grandchildren helping out as “the panny,” eating ice cream, sneaking out for donuts, discussing politics, chauffeuring them around to do whatever they were interested in, and bragging about them to whomever would listen. With Marie, he followed the sunsets between Marco Island, Grand Rapids, and their family cottage in Bayfield, Ontario.

Dick loved being surrounded by friends and family. He welcomed all with a huge smile and regaled them with his endless stories. He gave his undivided attention and shared a genuine interest in everyone’s lives. And, the bar was always open for visitors while Marie provided graceful hospitality as well. Our family grieves his passing and celebrates his long and joyful life.

Immediate family will hold a private service this week. Celebration of life events will be scheduled later in Marco Island, Grand Rapids and Bayfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Camp Chingachgook or Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Camp Chingachgook online donations at www.lakegeorgecamp.org./donate (please specify Camper Scholarship Fund), or via mail at YMCA Camp Chingachgook, 465 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park online donations at https://bit.ly/MeijerGardensMemorial (please specify Tribute), or via mail at Meijer Gardens Attn: Tribute Program 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.