Richard "Dick" Joseph Caldwell

Dick (Richard Joseph) Caldwell was called home to his Creator on May 25, 2015. He was 4 days short of his 58th birthday. He passed away on Memorial Day, his favorite holiday. Dick was loved as a Son, Husband, Brother, Uncle and Friend. All those who knew him will miss him. The son of Dr. James and Rosalie Caldwell, he was born and raised in Kalamazoo. Dick attended St. Monica’s Catholic Elementary School and Portage Northern High School, gathering life-long friends along the way. He was a craftsman, working in carpet, tile, stone and wood; using his head, his heart and his hands. Countless friends and family have his handiwork in their homes – usually done for free, at night and on days off. It was always beautifully done. Dick could work a full day, drive all night, then do a week’s worth of work over the weekend, only to drive all night again and start a new work week the next day. Somehow, without ever seeming to be in a hurry, he could get more done in a day than most any man. Dick (or Dix, as he signed his notes) believed in being a “simple kind of man” as one of his favorite songs said. He knew the secret to life lay in living by a simple code, living on a simple menu, and, most of all, in the love of one beautiful woman, his wife Carrie. They were married for 31 years, and Dick loved her with an intensity that is rarely seen. In his life, he made people feel special and loved, not through words, but through quiet deeds. In his manner, his dress, his speech, and his actions, he never sought to draw attention to himself. He quietly set about the task at hand, whether it be setting up camp, building a fire from scratch with only one match, helping a brother move, or roofing a house, he got to work and got it done. Usually with some really good rock and roll playing in the background. He was always in possession of a beloved dog, a neatly trimmed yard and a bushy mustache. But no matter how big that mustache got, it could never conceal the broad grin and bright smile that lurked beneath it. He was an avid fisherman, who would tell a great fishing story simply by holding up his stringer and flashing that incredible smile. If you wanted details, you had to ask for them. For Dick, the smile said it all. He loved the cottage at Pretty Lake, and Memorial Day in particular, slowly riding around the lake playing patriotic music, so everyone on the lake could remember what the holiday is for. Now, we have another reason to honor Memorial Day. He possessed a rich sense of humor, and could pull off great pranks, the kind that made you want to tell everyone how he got you. He employed his wonderful wit right to the very end, and even in his darkest hours he used it to lighten the mood of those around him. This sense of quiet fortitude also applied to his faith. To Dick, Faith was not a shining robe he wore on Sundays. Faith was a toolbox you took with you every day; filled with tools he used on every job. And Dick always took good care of his tools. He was tireless in his support of his parents, and he was a fierce patriot. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Caldwell, his mother, Rosalie Caldwell; his seven brothers and sisters: Chris (and Laurie) Caldwell, Chuck (and Lucy) Caldwell, Cathryn (and Jim) Hudson, Mike (and Mary) Caldwell, John (and Susan) Caldwell, Joe (and Liz) Caldwell, and Peggy (and Martin) Greydanus, as well as 27 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews. Carrie’s family includes her mother Sue Lent, her brother Steve ( and Annette) Lent, and their daughter Bri. We bet he has already been reunited in heaven with his father, Dr. James Caldwell, and they are doing their best to fish the place out before the rest of us get there. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Monica’s Parish 530 Kilgore Road at 10:30 o’clock on Thursday, May 28. At Dick’s request, a party celebrating his life and those he loved will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.