Richard C. Bellows

Richard C. (Dick) Bellows, age 90, passed away on October 24, 2020 at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, MI. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Bellows.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred, his two sisters, Marianne Norman and Grace Shelton, and his brother, Harold, as well as his son-in-law, Bob Lareau.

Born at Blodgett Hospital on August 6, 1930, Dick lived much of his life in Grand Rapids. In 1951 he served his country as a proud Marine during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Grand Rapids and attended Davenport College where he earned an associate’s degree in business and met his future wife, Helen.

Dick worked at MichCon for 36 years, progressing from sales to marketing to community relations before retiring in 1990. During his career he was a very active community volunteer. One of his proudest endeavors was starting Community Child Watch in 1980. Dick belonged to West Michigan Crime Prevention Association working to keep our community safe.

Dick was a long-time member of Mayflower Congregational Church joining in 1958 where he served on many boards and met many lifelong friends.

When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Dick was on the greens. If the day ended in Y, it was a good day to golf!

Dick is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughter Lucie Lareau, his daughter Connie Bellows (Darlene Zwart), and three grandchildren, Aaron Lareau (Linda), Jennie Lareau (Nate Ford) and Nathan Lareau (Danielle Wyckoff); five great grandchildren, Natalie, Daniel, and Hannah Lareau, Ezra Ford, and Josephine Wyckoff-Lareau; “the third one” Beth Kromer (and daughter Rose); and many nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to all the Clark Retirement Community staff at Keller Center who cared for, loved, and laughed with Dick for three years while in skilled nursing. Thanks to Emmanuel Hospice for weekly visits and prayers during the final five months. Due to Covid19, a celebration of Dick’s life will be held in the spring or summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Silent Observer (silentobserver.org/donate), the only non-profit in Grand Rapids that keeps our families, neighborhoods and community safe.

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