Richard Harvard Abbott

Born in San Pedro, California on August 1, 1929, and raised in Sebewaing, Michigan, Dick grew up in the Old Mission House on what is referred to by his family as “The Farm”. The original house was later removed and restored and now known as the Luckhard Museum. Dick was a graduate of Sebewaing High School in 1947 and although he went on to travel and live in other areas of Michigan, he kept roots in Sebewaing.

After graduation Dick met the love of his life and married Bonnie (Campbell) Abbott. Together they shared 64 years of adventures, love and laughter. Their life together was filled with travel, fishing at the cabin, hunting on the farm, gardening, morel mushroom hunts, playing cards and the greatest of all, raising their four children and pouring love into the lives of their five grandchildren.

Dick was an honorable man and spent a lifetime of service. He served in the U.S. Army for precisely one year, eleven months, twenty-two days, and eight hours. After being honorably discharged he went on to dedicate 26 years to the Michigan State Police. During his time with the MSP, he was tasked with going through K9 training. With his dog, Jocko, they were the first Michigan State Police K9 team. Dick trained others and established the MSP K9 unit. After retiring from the MSP, he joined the Ingham County Sheriffs Department, where he would serve his community for another 10 years before retiring as Captain. Even in retirement, Dick was still committed to the State Police and the Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed attending academy graduations, monthly luncheons with other retirees, and staying connected as much as possible

Dick loved being outdoors. He spent numerous years traveling to Canada to go to fish camp, gathering with his friends at deer camp, and spending many mornings in his blind at the farm. Even in his 90’s he was still hunting, although he took photos and watched the birds more than anything else (his family suspects he spent a good amount of time napping too). He enjoyed recording important events like family birthdays and holidays, but he truly loved videoing wildlife. One of his videos earned an appearance on Michigan Out of Doors, for his encounter with “Pete the Partridge”. With his grandkids, he tapped trees on the farm and made delicious maple syrup.

Dick was the kind of guy you would go to with a question. He was always full of trivia, history, and advice. He began every morning with the newspaper, sudoku, and comics and was an avid listener of the radio and books on tape. He loved to learn new things and share his knowledge, earning him the family title of “the original Google”.

He will be remembered for his quick-wit and his ability to tell a good story. He never missed an opportunity to tell a tale or share a joke- his favorite being the frog joke (if you haven’t heard the joke, ask the guy sitting next to you). He enjoyed gathering with family and friends at camp, playing cards- especially pinochle and buck-up, organizing his high school reunions and attending any event he was invited to. While he mostly sat there and observed, when he spoke, people listened. You knew what he had to say was either going to make you laugh or you would learn something from a wise man (he may be pulling your leg, that’s on you to figure out.) Dick was a man of integrity and generosity - a leader who guided by example. He never missed a family event, no matter how far and had the ability to make everyone feel special and valued. He lived a remarkable life, even if he was too humble to tell you about it himself.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bonnie. He is survived by his children, Lynette, Richard "Doug" (Marti), Cyndy and Laura; and his grandchildren, Stephanie (Clayton), Chris, Dan, Jennifer, and Nick. All of whom were proud of the man they called Dad and Grandpa.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Mason First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be Thursday November 6, 6pm-8pm and Friday November 7 11am-12pm, with the service beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in his honor to Ducks Unlimited of Michigan.