Richard "Dick" Gerald Perry

Richard “Dick” Gerald Perry- Age 94,  of Swartz Creek passed away January 17, 2024. In accordance with Richard’s wishes cremation has taken place. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Richard to the American Heart Association. 

Richard was born in Flint, Michigan on June 7, 1929. The son of the late Theodore Perry and Hildegard Hartel. He graduated from Fenton High School in 1946. Richard served in the Naval Reserves from 1947-1955. He was a master electrician and was self employed as an electrical contractor along with contract work with GM in energy management. He also owned and operated a marina on Lake Fenton for several years.

Richard married the love of his life Karin on July 29, 1994 and the rest, as they say, is history. Dick and Karin enjoyed their life together sailing Hobie Cats, skiing, traveling, spending priceless time with family and friends, and making memories that would last a lifetime. He had a zest for life that was unmatched and was always open to an adventure.

Richard was an avid skier and a lifetime member of the Schussmeister’s of Michigan. He was a certified ski instructor for 50 years and taught many years for the Schussmeister’s as well as for Mt Holly. If you were ever lucky enough to ski with Richard you were in the presence of greatness and perfection as he would gracefully wind his way down the mountain with the greatest of ease.

Richard was a diehard Detroit Lions and Michigan fan and was an outdoor sports enthusiast regardless of the season. He had his pilot’s license and enjoyed being a small plane pilot for many years. Richard also enjoyed snowmobiling, racing ice boats, water skiing, wind surfing, and sailing, all mostly on his beloved Lake Fenton.  He was the first person to ever waterski on Lake Fenton and was infamous for his parasail rides behind his boat. Richard was also a long time member of the Lake Fenton Moose Lodge where he could be found on a beautiful sunny day sitting on the deck enjoying a cold beer and a burger.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 29 years Karin; his daughter, Nancy Perry of Traverse City, and sons, John of Fenton, Timothy of Cheboygan and step-daughter Nicole Balamucki of Summerfield, NC.; 12 grandchildren; Patricia, Shanna, Sara, Tara, Nicholas, Matthew, Mazey, Taj, Ashley, Dominic, Taylor and Ethan, 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Hildegard, his sons; Thomas, Phillip, Mark, James, step-son, William Mavredes, brothers; Theodore and Robert and Step Father; Glen Walters. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com