On Friday, July 18th, Richard Alan Van Scheltema, loving husband, stepfather and grandfather, passed away at age 79.
Dick was born on January 2, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Hildur (Ingabor Johnson) Van Scheltema. Dick practiced architectural design and construction for 40 years in the Chicago, Northern Indiana and Southern Florida areas. On April 5, 1997, he married Terri in Leland, Michigan. It was both of their second marriages. Dick helped raise Terri's two children, Audrey and Adam.
Dick had a passion for boating. He learned to sail when he was a young boy at his family's summer home near Valparaiso, Indiana. Over the years, Dick served as a member of the yacht club including boards seats at Chicago Yacht Club, Michigan City Yacht Club (Commodore) and most recently at Singapore Yacht Club in Saugatuck, MI. One of Dick's favorite places to visit and boat was Leland, Michigan. Dick was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, trap shooting and fishing. The love of these four hobbies took him on many adventures making endless friends along his journey. Dick was also a classic pianist, trained pilot, as well as enjoyed photography. Dick was an active supporter of his community. Over the last 20+ years, Dick was actively involved with Cow Hill Yacht Club's community outreach efforts. Dick was known for his kind smile, giving heart and interest in everyone's story.
Dick was preceded in death by his father and mother, brother, Jack, and sister, Jane. He is survived by his wife, Terri, his two stepchildren, Audrey (Steve) Dormanen and Adam (Stephanie) Comrie, four grandchildren, his nephew, John, and niece, Jane. A celebration of his life is still being determined by his family. Should you wish, donations in his honor can be made to Cow Hill Yacht Club in Saugatuck, MI or Shriners Hospital.