Gary L. Rider
Gary L. Rider, 72, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2019. He was born October 25, 1946 in Delaware to Robert and Gladys “Ruth” (Paver) Rider.
Gary was part of the Richwood Tigers graduating Class of 1964. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as an air traffic controller on the USS Kennedy during the Vietnam War. He dedicated 4 years in the service and received an honorable discharge. Soon after, Gary moved to North Muskegon, MI and that became home for him.
He worked for Intricate Grinding and Machine Specialist for about 20 years. He was a member of
the West Michigan Coast Riders. Gary enjoyed slot car racing and staying active, but one of his main loves was bike riding. He was the Vice President of The Friends of the Berry Junction Bike Trail. He once made his way from Muskegon, MI to Richwood solely on a bicycle. He biked over 700 miles on that trip alone. Gary will be greatly missed by many.
He is survived by his three sisters, Teresa Hone, Terry Hardin, and Pat (Mike) Hamilton, 3 nieces and 3 nephews, and dear friend Sue Hewitt. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 8, 2019 at The Fred Meijer Berry Junction Bike Trail with Pastor Bob Pohlar officiating. Parking will be available at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd, North Muskegon. Visitation with the family will be one-hour prior, starting at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary Rider’s honor may be directed to the Berry Junction Bike Trail, PO Box 5021, North Muskegon, MI 49445 (www.berryjunctiontrail.com). You may visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com
Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442.
| Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is not assisting the family with arrangements. We are posting Gary's obituary here as a courtesy. To read the full obituary and to leave condolences to the family, please visit his obituary page at: www.sytsemafh.com |
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home