Richard A. Lamotte

Richard “Dick” LaMotte December 3, 1930 – January 1, 2024 Richard “Dick” Arlen LaMotte, of Garden City, MI, passed peacefully on the early morning of Monday January 1st, surrounded by family at his bedside. Dick was born in December of 1930 in Detroit, MI, the youngest of three children to the late Morris and Delia LaMotte. He married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Jean Tucker in September of 1951. They would call Detroit home until 1956, proudly moving to their newly built (and forever) home in Garden City, MI with their young daughter Denise; later having four more children, David, Diane, Dorie, and Dean. They would celebrate the next 63 years together before her passing in 2014. Many in the greater Detroit area knew him from his 50+ years spent in the Food Equipment and Meat Industry, and also from his woodworking hobby, sports signs and crafts, often seen on Venoy road selling on the weekends. He brought the conversation to each and every place he went to. Whether it be euchre or poker at the local senior centers, or whatever barbeque he was invited to, he had enough stories for anyone who would listen and then some. “Gramps” loved talking about his time spent around Detroit’s Eastern Market, good food (especially ribs), good company, casino trips, and woodworking in his garage. Some of his woodwork can still be seen at his favorite local spot, The Sports Venue Bar & Grill, where he formed a great friendship with the late owner Jim and his daughter Laurie. Dick was predeceased by his parents Morris and Delia, wife Sylvia Jean, brother Morris, sister Betty, and many other close family members and friends. He would often say “I’m the last one!” “Dad” - his life will be cherished and remembered by his children: Denise (Marshall) Newstead, David (Sheryl) LaMotte, Diane Reed, Dorie (Scott) Fredericks, Dean (Virginia) LaMotte. “Gramps/Grampa” – his booming voice and cane waving will be missed by his grandchildren: Jason Barker, Chris (Tanya) Reed, Derek (Crystal) Newstead, Nick (Jessica) Reed, Rich (Jess) LaMotte, Damien (Mel) Fredericks, Abigail (Sam) Klemcke, and Mike Gandelot. Great-grandchildren: James (Taylor), Justin, Carson, Nicholas, Jake, Stella, Ben, Madison, Bailey, and Samantha. Great-great grandchildren: Everly and Riley. Step-grandchildren: Layla (Ethan), Ian, Isabella, Jonathan, Jimmy, Joey, Janice, and Megan. And finally, a special mention to those who also loved and cared for him; our family greatly appreciates you, and we hope you know how much he cherished and cared for you as well. The little old “furry friend”, his dog Reese, who was always at his side to keep him company after his wife’s passing. He will be cared for by family for the rest of his days. His very special friends who held a big place in his heart and he could always count on to be there; Opal ❤, Mike and Jackie, Mark and Jeannie, the Agemy Family, Greg, and the “cards” group that he spent so much time with. He often reminded us loudly that “93 years is long damn time!” We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating his 93 memorable years of life, as we will forever carry your memory in our hearts. Until we meet again, rest in peace Gramps. 💙 Please share a memory of "Dick" by signing his guest book.