Richard Hake

Richard’s life began January 5, 1923 in Toronto, Canada.   Richard grew up in Toronto where he graduated high school and earned a Masters in Engineering from University of Toronto.  He proudly served his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.  Richard fell in love with Doreen Edson from Michigan who was working as a secretary at the University of Toronto and they married in 1945.  Richard and Doreen moved to Watervliet where they both worked in the school system, she as a secretary and he was a teacher.  He proudly became an US citizen upon making Watervliet his home.  Richard also taught at Lake Michigan College.  Outside of work Richard was active in his church St. Augustine’s of Canterbury Episcopal Church and Past Grand Master of Masonic Lodge #162.

Richard’s greatest love was his family which includes: three daughters Elizabeth (Kenneth) Howell of Jacksonville, Florida, Deborah (John) Steenwyk of Bangor, and Jennifer Stephens of Orlando, Florida; five grandchildren Christine Steffic, Stephanie Olson, Brian Olson, Sarah Kilpelainen, and Kyle Stephens; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two sisters Katherine Hoag and Beverly Dewey both of Toronto, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard died Sunday, October 29, at his home.  His wife Doreen Hake and parents Richard and Violet (Fraser) Hake precede Richard in death.  A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, November 4, at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine’s of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 1753 Union Street, Benton Harbor.  In Leiu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Masonic Lodge #162.  You may leave a message of comfort for Richard’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com

 Service Information