Oct. 13, 1950 — Nov. 28, 2014

Richard “Dick” Brien Hess, 64, of Dowagiac passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Dick’s life began Oct. 13, 1950 in Dowagiac, Michigan. He was the son of Robert and Mary Louise (O’Brien) Hess. He was a 1969 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. In 1985, he married Regina Schaus at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Silver Creek Township.

Dick’s lifelong career was as a heavy equipment operator. He began working early in life alongside his father at the family business. He continued with that profession throughout his life. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where on Sunday you could hear and see him playing his guitar at mass as the music facilitator. He also performed at numerous plays and musicals at the Beckwith Theatre and Southwestern Michigan College. He was passionate about coaching sports with his children, grandchildren and the youth of Dowagiac.

Dick was also very enthusiastic about Notre Dame sports, his love of music and theatre and sharing memories of his friends. His biggest accomplishment was his four children; Nikki, Chad, Matt and Richie. Through Dick’s artistic abilities he touched many lives being called upon to perform at many life-changing functions. His grandchildren were also the light of his life and he relished his time with them.

Dick’s loving family includes his wife, Regina (Schaus) Hess of Dowagiac; his children Nicole (Bill Busby) Hess of Dowagiac, Chad Hess of Dowagiac, Matt Hess of Dowagiac, Richie (Katie) Hess of Sister Lakes and Theresa Dyer of Dowagiac. He is also survived by two brothers, Bob (Debbie) Hess of Lansing and Tommy (Shanna) Hess of Dowagiac; three sisters, Peggy (Barry) Bowsman of Dowagiac, MaryBeth Bella of Elkhart, IN., and Jeanne (Anne Flautt) Hess of Elkhark. Dick’s grandchildren include: Lexy, Cali, Rozlyn, Macey, Carson, Alyssa and Claire. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, John Bella; and great nephew Dawson.

Family and friends will gather to share memories from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at Clark Chapel and Cremations Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery on Leach Road in Silver Creek Township following the mass. Memorials in his honor may be made to Great Lakes Hospice and/or the Beckwith Theatre. A luncheon will be served at the Dowagiac Lion’s Club on Bluebird Lane off Middle Crossing Road following the burial. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Dick may do so at www.clarkch.com.