Richard A. Belanger

He was born on August 17, 1954, the son of Elmer “Al” and Donna (Walker) Belanger. Rick attended St. Patrick’s School through the eighth grade, followed by Holy Name High School until its closure in 1970. He went on to graduate from Escanaba High School in 1972.

On August 3, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Peggy Johnson, at St. Patrick’s Church in Escanaba. At just 19 and 20 years old, Rick and Peggy began building a life together, raising their daughters and sharing nearly 52 years of marriage. Family was the foundation of their life, grounded in commitment and love.

Rick worked for the Canadian National Railway Company (formerly known as the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Company, Union Pacific, and Chicago & North Western) for 40 years until his retirement on September 2, 2014. In his early years, he also worked part-time as a delivery driver for Johnson’s Distributing and bartended at BG’s Bar. He was a member of the Escanaba Elks, Delta County Historical Society, and the Eskymo Fan Club.

He loved sports and grew up playing baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. As a young adult, he played slow pitch softball for the DeGrand Oilers and officiated local hockey tournaments. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Redwings, and of course, the Escanaba Eskymos.

He was a history buff with great taste in television, movies, and music. He appreciated the outdoors: birdwatching, fishing, hunting, and quiet walks in the woods is where he felt most at peace. He enjoyed his daily drives around town, an occasional round of poker or golf, sitting around a bonfire listening to the Eskymos on a fall Friday night, and visiting with friends and family over a cold beer.

Rick was a simple and quiet man, good and honest, with a notable sense of humor. He had a sincere interest in the world around him and deep personal integrity. He lived authentically and with strong character, guided by his values more than his voice. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally, and they loved him just as much in return. He will be profoundly missed.

Rick is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; daughters, Becky Pamperin, Amy Dier (Scott Pini), Cindy (Brianna) Belanger, and Jennie (John) Shepich; grandchildren, Noah and Ava Dier, Parker, Paityn, and Paxton Pamperin, and Cameron Belanger; and his loyal four-legged companion, Vern. He is further survived by his mother, Donna Belanger; siblings, Nancy (Dave) Kositzky, Chris Leonard, Roni (Jim) Beaudoin, Brad Belanger (Amy Graves), Marla (Pete) Jazdzyk, and Todd Belanger; aunts, Doreen Luokkanen and Pat Walker; brother-in-law, Bob Vardigan (Cindy Gersich); sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Linda (Wayne) LaFave, Roy Johnson (Julie Reynolds), Diane Johnson, and Randy Johnson; many nieces and nephews; former son-in-law and friend, Jamie Dier; his best friend of nearly 60 years, Cliff DeSalvo; and many other extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Al Belanger; sister, Tammy Vardigan; grandparents, Art and Millie Walker; uncle, Harold “Duke” Walker; brother-in-law, Tom Leonard; father-in-law, Roy Johnson; mother-in-law, Norma Johnson; brothers-in-law, Ricky Johnson and Robby Johnson; and his four-legged companions, Buster, Petey, and Steve.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home, 302 South 13th Street, Escanaba. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family, and a memorial in Rick’s name will be established at a later date.

The family would like to thank the Marinette Bellin Oncology team and the OSF Hospice team for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Belanger family. To share online condolences, please visit www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.