Richard E. "Dick" Drummond
September 23, 1933 - November 4, 2009

Richard Dick Drummond was a man of integrity who worked hard, but enjoyed playing hard too. It was easy to see that his family was the light of his life and that each and every grandchild and great-grandchild was the apple of his eye. For many years Dick owned and operated a successful business, predominantly because he was honest and always treated his customers fairly. He was blessed to share more than 20 years with the love of his life with whom he built a strong and loving family that will be his lasting legacy.

The 1930s were greatly defined by the Great Depression that oppressed the entire decade during a time in which American families struggled to make ends meet with sixty-seven thousand homeless children reportedly wandering the streets of New York City. Life continued on, however, and in the family of William and Velma (Stookey) Drummond of Decatur, Indiana, there was great reason to celebrate. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Richard, on September 23, 1933 who was joined in his family by six siblings. Richards father worked as a butcher while his mother was a homemaker who cared for their active family.

The Drummonds lived in Decatur for a short time but later moved to St. Johns, Michigan and then to Muskegon where Dick attended local schools. During his formative years America continued to experience times of trial as just a short time after we began to emerge from the depression, WWII erupted and even Dicks father was called to serve. Dick and his brothers had to help on the farm and during his tenth grade year, he left school in order to take a job as a butcher and was never able to resume his education. As was so often the case during this generation, the Drummond family banded together during these trying times and the family time they spent together was greatly important to Dick. His siblings proved to be much more than just siblings - they were also his best friends.

When Dick was just 17, he met a young lady named Bernita Cline and they were married just a short time later, in 1951. In actuality, Dicks true love was still waiting for him and they met several years later. Her name was Norma McCarthy and she was under the house fixing the plumbing. When she emerged all dirty and muddy Dick couldnt help being smitten with her and with that, their love story began. They were married on August 24, 1968 and between the two of them they were blessed with 12 children altogether six boys and six girls. Dick added on to their house on Mill Iron Road which doubled their living space. They didnt go on family vacations since it would have taken two cars just to transport them, but that didnt keep their family from establishing numerous priceless memories together. The Drummond home was full of traditions like Scribs Pizza every Saturday and a big pot roast dinner on Sundays. Every summer the boys in the family split wood, and Christmas was always such a special time of year full of traditions as well.

Dick was an easy going father which was a good thing since his children gave him a run for his money a time or two. On one such occasion Dick was pouring a sidewalk at their house and the boys decided to set the pines on fire. While Dick was putting the fire out, the dog ran through the wet cement leaving behind footprints that are still there today. Another time, he purchased a $200 car for a couple of the girls and since it was all different colors, he painted it with a paintbrush. The paint was not yet dry when the girls took the car two-tracking and needless to say, the paint job proved to be futile.

In order to support his family, Dick worked in the meat industry. He and his brother Bing started Drummond Meat Processing Company and after awhile, Dick decided to start his own business, Dicks Butcher Shop which he ran with his children. Dick was an honest businessman who even stated that he could never be as crooked as a dogs back leg! He finally retired from Plumbs as a meat cutter. After Dick retired he became a volunteer for the Red Cross.

There were so many things that made Dick such an extraordinary man. He could do just about anything around the house and even hemmed his wifes coat on one occasion. Dick was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who he loved to spoil. He also attended as many of their school events as he could. Dick especially loved Christmas time because it was when everyone came home.

Life changed for Dick with the death of his beloved Norma in 1990. As was his way, he continued on, however, and he later met a woman named Joan Harker. Saturday night became their date night when they went to plays, out for dinner, or just somewhere to spend time together. Joan even got Dick to do some traveling which to his surprise, he rather enjoyed. Every Sunday they went to church at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where they were members and then out to eat. Dick was proud of the fact that he was baptized at the age of 74. After he retired he enjoyed spending more time with his family, even taking fishing trips to Canada with his boys and grandchildren.

Richard Dick Drummond lived a life that was full of hard work, fun times, and family moments. He enjoyed doing yard work, gardening, and boating, but his favorite way to spend his time was gathered with his entire family. Dick was proud to become a baptized member of the Catholic faith late in his life and blessed to share his later years with a fun-loving companion. Dick was so proud of his children and grandchildren who have became his greatest legacy. He will be dearly missed.

Richard E. Drummond died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Dicks family includes his sons, Gary (Marilyn) Drummond, James Drummond, John (Cheryl) Drummond, Larry Drummond, Michael McClatchy, William (Amanda) Drummond all of Muskegon; daughters, Linda Ahearn of Lowell, Cathy (George) Bradley, Rhonda (Randal) Egtvedt of Ada, Sheryl (Robert) Smith of Muskegon, Theresa Weller of Muskegon, Jean (Charlie) Sandee of Walker; grandchildren, Lisa, Lori, Greg, Chris, Adam, Brian, Ryan, Justin, Jennifer, Eric, Hailey, Kelly, Jessica, Johnny, Mikelle, Marissa, Anna, Douglas, Ashley, Brittanie, Sarah, Rabecca, William, Hunter; 15 great grandchildren; mother, Velma Drummond; brother, Dan Drummond; sisters, Mary Schlotterback, Susie Persinger; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; special friend of 17 years, Joan Harker. He was preceded in death by his father; wife, Norma; brothers, Fred, Bing, and Jack; 2 sons-in-law. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Fr. Anton Tran officiating. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery. Visit with Dicks family and friends on Sunday, 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, MI, and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society or Harbor Hospice.

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