Richard Joseph Meyette

Richard Joseph Meyette, age 71, formerly of Pinconning, MI, entered his New Life in Christ after a courageous journey with Leukemia on Friday, November 28, 2025. Richard was a kind-hearted man with a gentle spirit, always showing deep love and devotion to his family. He attended St. Thomas University, earned a Master of Divinity from St. John Provincial Seminary in Detroit, and a Master of Christian Spirituality from Creighton University. He began his life of service as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan. Over the years, he was engaged in various ministries in the Diocese of Saginaw, MI, as well as Grand Rapids, MI.  Some of the pastoral ministries he was involved with were: priestly ministry (13 years), religious education, sacramental preparation, marriage counseling, grief and divorce ministry, as well as spiritual direction. He later became the Business Administrator at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Midland, MI, offering both his leadership and his steady presence to the community. After moving to Grand Rapids, he continued his ministry as a Spiritual Director.  Rich’s greatest love in all of this work was to be a companion with people on their journey of faith and to share those sacred experiences. He was a member of Spiritual Directors International as well as a member of the community of Spiritual Directors at the Dominican Center for Spirituality, where he impacted many through his wisdom, warmth, and spiritual guidance. Beyond his work, he embraced life with passion and joy. He was an avid golfer, loved traveling, was a gifted photographer, and was a talented cook who enjoyed sharing meals with those he cared about. Music brought him great happiness, especially when he played his guitar. Richard had the ability to fix most anything. There was never a project too difficult that he couldn’t figure out! He will be remembered for his gentle heart, his unwavering kindness, and a lifetime spent uplifting others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Theresa Meyette; siblings, Geraldine Gombar, Marjorie Stempek, Diane Karbowski, Roger Meyette, two infant siblings;  and brother-in-law, James Moore. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 21 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Meyette; children, Kristin (Jason) Beard, Matthew (Rachel Suhrbier) Hanley, Kathleen “Kate” (Todd) Bode, Alby Blazo; grandchildren, Thomas Johnston, Molly Johnston, Eleanor Bode, Paulina Bode; siblings, Louis (Karen) Meyette, Carolyn Moore; Sister-in-law, Patricia Bailey, and brother-in-law, Robert Ford; many wonderful loving nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2025, at  Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1048 Chicago Dr SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Fr. Stephen Dudek officiating.  Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at MKD Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Blood Cancer United, or to West Michigan Hospice.