Richard A. ‘Dick’ Beckwith

Born November 13, 1942 in Ferndale, Michigan to the late Carroll “Carl” and Margaret “Beth” (Revord) Beckwith, Dick grew up in the Detroit area and graduated from Centerline High School in 1961. Early in his professional life Dick had many interesting jobs. He worked as a roadie for none other than Johnny Cash, selling his albums out of a guitar case. Following that he managed three gas stations and worked as an independent carpet installer, a job he continued after moving to the Upper Peninsula for Shunk Furniture and later as sole proprietor of R.A.B. Carpeting. While working at Kimberly Clark in the early 1980’s, Dick found his true calling – a life inseparable from Lynn Beaudry. Dick married Lynn on June 28, 1985, and not only were they bound in marriage, but they also became partners in owning and operating the Buckhorn Resort.

Dick and Lynn’s bond was special and unique, growing stronger from each day to the next. Love notes scattered throughout their home memorialize their wonderful life together, whether working alongside each other every day, enjoying a campfire at their Otter Lake Campground, driving their side by side through the beautiful Hiawatha National Forest, or just bird watching and experiencing the gifts of nature outside their own home.

They enjoyed feeding the deer, raccoons, turkeys, birds, and just about any other living creature, to include Thumper the Bunny Rabbit. Any outside observer would probably mistake their front yard with a wildlife refuge.

Dick loved to watch golf, and would tune in to see his favorite player, Tiger Woods, at every opportunity. What mattered most to Dick and Lynn, however, was to enjoy the simple majesty of life in the U.P. with friends and family around an evening campfire. Dick’s eagerly anticipated, weekly lunches with his dear son, Todd, are a testament to his enduring love of family. Work was not a four letter word to Dick either. He couldn’t wait to plow Todd’s storage units or mow his grass. No task was too much to ask of him. And although this earth was no longer big enough to hold Dick’s soul, his passing should not be thought of as the end of life, but the beginning of an eternal love awaiting Lynn’s return.

Dick is survived by his wife – Lynn Beckwith of Munising; son – Todd (Karen) Beckwith of Marquette, – step-daughter Dana (Mark) Spencer of Arlington, VA; son-in-law – Dale Stromer; grandchildren – Blade (Holly) Beckwith, Destiny Beckwith, and Tiara Stromer; brothers – Dale (Sally) Beckwith of Au Train and David Beckwith of Grand Marais; sisters and brothers-in-law Bev (Bob) Cotter, Janice Nolan, Kris (Jeff) Kouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Beth; brother, Joe Beckwith; daughter, Sherry Spencer-Stromer; brothers-in-law – Melvin Beaudry, Sheldon Beaudry, and Terry Nolan.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Dick’s obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net.