Memorial Trees
B
Benjamin and Renee Hubbard
May 08, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Richard Lee Mansfield
<p><p>It is with great sorrow and admiration that we announce the passing of Richard Lee Mansfield (Dick), age 85 of Gaylord, Michigan, who found his peace during the afternoon hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025. He was truly a great friend, husband, father, and community member.</p><p><br></p><p>Born the son of Robert and Ruth (Wager) Mansfield of Flint, Michigan on April 16, 1939, he grew up to enjoy the outdoors and northern Michigan through enduring relationships with his uncles and cousins all during the glory days after World War II.</p><p><br></p><p>Dick graduated from the revered Flint Technical High School, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Betty Mae Gilbert. Richard then attended GMI, General Motors Institute (Kettering University) where he gained a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering (cum laude). Like most of his family he went to work at Buick City. He married Betty, and fathered 3 boys, David, Douglas, and Dennis. As times changed in the southeast of Michigan during the late 1960s, Richard left his career in the automotive industry and sought out a quieter lifestyle in the north woods of Michigan and closer to his piece of heaven - Canada Creek Ranch, a private hunting and fishing club in northeast lower Michigan of which he was an active member and board member for 64 years.</p><p><br></p><p>Richard started a whole new career with the then titled State of Michigan, Department of Social Services, as a case worker, serving families in the Cheboygan District. In 1971, he accepted a transfer, and the family moved a bit south to Grayling, where he delighted in fact that the town only had one traffic light! Dick and Betty put down roots in Grayling. Betty gained employment with the State Department of Natural Resources, the family became active members of the Methodist Church, the boys attended school and Richard, with a small crew of friends, worked to re-energize the town’s sportsman club, where the family would always spend their summer Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons shooting Trap and Skeet.</p><p><br></p><p>While Richard was a steady bowler during the winter months, the shooting sports were his passion. Dick was a crack shot and spent hundreds of hours teaching hunter safety courses and mentoring entry level persons of all ages and gender with his specific tricks on the range and in the field. In these woods Richard always had a son, grand child or maybe just a lost soul with him. “If you can sit through a day in school – you're old enough to go to deer camp.”</p><p><br></p><p>While Richard loved his time in the woods, he loved being a husband even more. Richard and Betty were serious square dancers, traveling the State to find and test the newest “caller”. They helped to maintain not only the square-dancing tradition, but also a card-club, bible study group, and they would stop everything should friend or family just pop in for a cup of coffee - no matter what time of day or night. Together their marriage survived the “down to the frame” remodeling of a 150-year-old home and saw their sons bring 4 more boys into the world. They were both able to retire early, but due to Betty becoming ill, their golden years were cut short. Betty passed away in mid-November 2005. They were married for 45 years, and the entire town will say Richard was at her side every day, through those long years.</p><p><br></p><p>Fortunately, Richard was introduced to another beautiful woman and amazing person who would walk by his side for the last 18 years of his life. Helen (Peacock) and Richard married and never looked back. They traveled, wintered in Arizona for many years, and came back to Gaylord. They too danced and dissected homes together for many, many years. Helen is a Godsend, an angel, and one will attest that his last thoughts were only of her.</p><p><br></p><p>Richard Mansfield was not one to preach, but he loved the Church and the community therein. He could not carry a single note, but he knew every word of his favorite hymns. He had sincere faith in family and friendships.</p><p><br></p><p>Richard was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his wife, Betty. He is survived by his wife, Helen,; his three sons and their families, David and wife, Judith Mansfield of Quincy, MI, their 3 children, Michael, Shauna, and Kaleb and their 10 children; Douglas and wife Monique Mansfield of Traverse City, MI, sons, Ben and Sam and one more great grandson, as well as Dennis and his wife, Margaret Mansfield of Battle Creek, MI, children, Russell and Noah.</p><p><br></p><p>A Memorial Service for Richard will be held Saturday May 10, 2025 at Gaylord Methodist Church, 215 S Center Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. Richard's family will receive friends and guests from 10 am, until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 am. Officiating the services will be Reverend Paul Gruenberg.</p><p><br></p><p>Please share your stories and memories of Richard in the "Share a Memory" section.</p><p><br></p><p>Arrangements were entrusted to Nelsons Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.</p></p>April 16, 1939 - March 27, 202504/16/193903/27/2025
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