Richard H. Barr

Richard was born in Marquette, Michigan, on January 24th, 1936, son of John and Kitty (LeClaire) Barr. Richard attended the Marquette area schools and spent his childhood growing up on County Road 480, where he met his future wife, Carol Beaudry, while playing baseball in the neighborhood. After high school, Richard joined the United States Navy, serving most of his time at sea on the USS Mount Katmai, until his honorable discharge in 1957. He then returned to Marquette and married Carol in 1958 at St. Louis the King Church, in Harvey.

They made their first home together on Alger Street in Marquette and started their family. Early in the marriage, Richard worked as a mechanic and at the Presque Isle Power Plant. He also helped work on many large projects in the Marquette area, including the resurrecting of the K.I. Sawyer Base housing buildings. In 1977, Richard started his own business, Ritchie’s Auto Center in Sands, Michigan. He eventually closed the shop in the early 1980’s and began working for Associated Constructors, where he retired from over a decade later. After his retirement he stayed busy working and holding different positions with Marquette Fence.

Richard was known for his tough demeanor, but he was as loyal as they come. Once you earned his respect, he had your back for life. He was a hardworking man and had a great passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, cutting wood, anything that would get him outside. He also had a love for animals, and held a special place in his heart for his dog, Daisy Mae. His kids would tell you that she may have been his most favorite “child”.

Richard was a member of the Marquette American Legion, a founding member of the Skandia West Branch Sportsmen’s Club, and was at one time the president of the Chocolay Area Business Association (CABA).

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kitty Barr; wife, Carol; a brother, Edward “Sonny” Barr and baby brother, Eugene; and a sister, Lucille Hietikko.

Richard is survived by his children, Linda (Leland) Nellist, David Barr, Dennis (Laurie) Barr, Marilyn (Scott) Hansen, Sandra (Greg) Jatczak; his grandchildren, Sara, Joseph, Matthew, Brittany, Kayla, Nicholas, Holly, Joshua, Jonathan, Jacob, Bradley, Brent; eleven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Virginia Youn, James Barr, and Milton Barr and many nieces and nephews.

Richard’s family will greet friends and relatives on Friday, May 13th, 2022, at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services from 10:00 am, to the time of service at 12:00 pm noon. Rev. Ben Rivard will officiate. Interment will take place following the service at Sands Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Richard’s family at 161 E. Wright Place, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswanson hansen.com.