Parks board honors member who passed away

Bench may be placed to honor Dick Becker who also served on planning commission.

Dick Becker, front left, poses in a picture from May with the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. Also in the photo are Chairman Brad Laninga (front right) and in back (from left) Treasurer Anne Brand, Vice Chairperson Karen Simmons and Tom Hoekman. Becker passed away in July.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission remembered former member Dick Becker with a moment of silence, a collection of photos and a little humor at the group’s Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, meeting.

“He was a joy to work with,” said Commissioner Karen Simmons.

“If I had a fun joke, it would be appropriate,” said Commissioner Tom Hoekman after a moment of silence, noting Becker’s sense of humor.

“He’d appreciate that,” Simmons added.

Becker, 81, passed away on July 23.

Becker served for 3 ½ years on the township planning commission, resigning in May.

He began serving on the parks commission in 2019.

Becker was known for his sense of humor – he would often lighten a tense situation in a meeting with a joke — and passion for parks.

The parks commission is looking at purchasing a bench with a plaque to commemorate Becker’s service to the township.

In 2020, the parks commission purchased a bench in honor of Ellen Fitch who passed away in December of that year while serving on the parks commission.

The bench is in the gazebo at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St., overlooking the butterfly garden which she helped start.

About Becker

Becker is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lorrie, daughter Gwen (Post), son Rick (Brenda), and son John (Kathryn) and several grandchildren, according to the obituary by Dykstra Funeral Home (dykstrafuneralhome.com)

Becker was born in Flint and attended high school in Marion, Ind., the obituary stated. He met Lorrie at Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy when he graduated in 1965. He was then assigned to a two-year tour of duty on the destroyer USS Harold J Ellison.

In 1968, he returned to Grand Rapids to begin a career in marketing and advertising and raise a family. He left active duty but retained his commission as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He worked at Aves Advertising, Old Kent Bank and managed human resources at Steelcase.

Becker rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy and was promoted to the position of rear admiral in October 1991. He was in command of many different units specializing in public affairs.

One of the highlights of his naval career was helping to coordinate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day celebration in June 1994. The event was attended by many of the world leaders. He also coordinated funerals for President Gerald R. Ford and his wife Betty.

He was also a Holland Historical Lighthouse Commissioner, and he supported the Harbor Humane Society. He served as commodore of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, board member of Macatawa Park Cottagers’ Association, and supporter of the Macatawa Bay Junior Association, according to the obituary.