Richard Dorr “Dick” Baldwin

Dick was born on July 12, 1927 in Warner Township (Elmira), MI to Ernest L. and Gladys E. (Moffett) Baldwin. He spent his early years hunting, fishing, trapping and logging, using draft horses to get logs down from the hills ­ which also started his life-long love of horses. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Guam during World War II. During his time at sea, he not only learned the trade of barbering but also learned how to box. After his honorable discharge, Dick worked as a mechanic before starting his 34-year career with CCI mining. Throughout the years, he also worked for the Michigan Milk Producers Association and after retirement he worked with his B&G Heating & Plumbing family.

One summer, Dick saw Ruth Hornada playing records on her front porch and he told his buddy, “I’m going to marry that girl some day!” They were married on July 16, 1949, and shared 75 wonderful years together, eventually buying and raising their family in that same house where they first saw each other. Together, they built a life founded on mutual love for children, animals, and the simple joys of nature.

Dick enjoyed the outdoors and loved working in the woods. He was a jack of all trades and spent much of his time wood-working and building beautiful furniture. He was also a skilled welder and mechanic. His garage was clean and organized and everyone in the family could borrow almost anything they needed. It was also home to his personal barber shop, where he gave many haircuts to the neighbors and grandkids. Behind his garage and wood shop, he had a beautiful garden full of vegetables. He also loved spending time at his camp and was still bagging trophy bucks into his 90ás. He was a former charter member of the Chocolay Township Lions Club, former Little League Coach, and member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Skandia.

Dick is survived by his children, Gary (Nancy) Baldwin, Gregg (Corinne) Baldwin and Christine (Dale) Hamari, all of Marquette; grandchildren, Beth (Stuart) Johnson, Christie Freir, Paula (Jerry) Sides, Mathew Baldwin, Brian (Jaimie) Hamari, Erin (Mike) Speck, Lucas Anderson, Katie (Dan) Beerman, Amanda Baldwin and Beth (Kyle) Roberts; 22 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Gladys Baldwin; beloved wife, Ruth E. Baldwin; daughter, Cynthia Anderson; brother, Ernest Homer Baldwin; and infant brother, Floyd Baldwin.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the caring staff at D.J. Jacobetti for their amazing care and compassion.

Honoring Dick’s wishes, private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Richard’s name to Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Dick’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com