Richard Stiffler, age 87, of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 16, 2024. He was the loving father of Leslie (Briana) Yarhouse, Laurie (Dan) Nyquist, and Clay (Kris) Stiffler, and the proud "Grump" of 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Thalia (Tolly).

Richard was born on January 1, 1937, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Freida and Howard Stiffler. The youngest of two boys, he grew up in Birmingham and later attended Western Michigan University, where he met Tolly. They married in 1960 and raised their children in Detroit before moving to East Grand Rapids in 1969.

Richard was drafted into the military in 1959. After completing his military service, he began his career at Wood Conversions, then worked for a variety of employers, including G & T Industries, until 1977, when he struck out on his own. He worked as a self-employed manufacturer's representative for nearly 50 years, finally retiring at age 86(!)

He was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren and attended many of their games and events. He was particularly active in the Boy Scouts of America with Troop 253, engaging in troop meetings, dozens of weekend camp outs, the annual 25-mile hike, and many canoe trips down the Pine and other Michigan rivers. In this way, he was able to express his love of the natural world and pass it on. He also had a passion for fixing and restoring things: He began at the age of 15 with an Old Towne canoe, and later restored motorcycles and cars, winning trophies for his restoration of a 1953 MG TD and a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite.

Richard's family invites friends and family to a visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 11am-1pm in the chapel at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.