Richard Colingsworth

Rich Colingsworth was a passionate person. When reflecting on his life, words such as easy going, quick-witted, and fun-loving come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of him is hardworking. He was always looking for ways to give to others whether his family, his friends, or others within his greater community. A friend to all and a stranger to none, Rich modeled being accepting of others. There simply wasn't anything he wouldn't do for anyone in need. Deeply loved, he will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched over the years, especially the wonderful family he leaves behind. It seems only fitting that Rich's story began during a time that was as colorful as he was. It was the 1960s when many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. By 1969, Woodstock attracts more than 350,000 rock-n-roll fans and Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the Moon. A few short weeks later, Rich arrived on August 8th born to loving parents, Roscoe & Mary (Payne) Colingsworth in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born during a promising decade in our nation's history, his birth brought them much joy and happiness! Starting his early years in the White Bear Lake area, Rich lived a typical childhood of the times. Sandwiched between his older siblings, Don and Rachel, and later joined by his younger sister, Meg, there was never a dull moment in the Colingsworth household. His father worked as a biologist doing environmental impact studies and his mother was a homemaker. By the tender age of nine, the family relocated to Webster Groves, Missouri. Rich was an exceptional student, despite his lack of motivation. He had a knack of picking things up quickly. Once, his sister, Rachel practiced and practiced to get better at juggling. Envious of his natural abilities in so many areas, her hope was that she would finally find that one thing that she could do that Rich couldn't, yet when he picked up the juggling balls, he was a master from his very first attempt! Intelligent as well as hardworking, he relied on these skills after graduating with the Class of 1987 from Webster Groves High School. Bored with the odd jobs he had worked beyond high school, Rich enlisted in the United States Army. He had always held a strong desire to serve his country and received an honorable discharge after his time in Bosnia. An opportunity to work at Perrigo, a private label pharmaceutical company, landed him in Michigan. The company provided him with a steady income and benefits as well as many lasting friendships. Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the woman who would change the course of his life forever, Laura! Hanging out with mutual friends in Gobles, the two of them met and hit it off right from the start! Rich and Laura welcomed home their son, Colton in 2008. Although they were loving parents and enjoyed sharing his every milestone, their marriage later ended in divorce. Rich remained very active in Colton's life and was immensely proud of the young man he was becoming. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending quality time together either playing tennis, biking, camping together, or playing catch over the years. As a father, he instilled in Colton the importance of treating others with kindness as well as a strong work ethic. Rich's life held many special pastimes. For enjoyment, he loved to find nearby inland lakes to fish. Fishing was something that connected him to many of his childhood memories and an activity that brought him a sense of peace. Rich also enjoyed kayaking as well as playing golf. Michigan has many hidden treasures to explore and Rich enjoyed discovering new waterways and courses to try out over the years. Although he loved all types of music, his favorite artist was Joe Cocker who he was sure to share with his friends and family. Known for his gravy, Rich had mastered his recipe to perfection! There wasn't much of anything that didn't go well with gravy in his opinion. Whether he was fishing, golfing, or kayaking, Rich was sure to live his life to the fullest. The most important things in life for him by far was the time he spent with his family. Surrounded by people and enjoying one another's company was when Rich was most content. Described as stubborn, yet generous beyond measure, Rich leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for his special friends and loved ones. Gone too soon, may they always cherish the gifts and talents he shared over the years and may their hearts never doubt the love he had for each and every one of them. Richard Colingsworth, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2019. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Visit with family and friends on Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home Marshall & Gren Chapel; 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell (269) 685-5881. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 at the same location. Rich's family includes his son Colton and Colton's mother Laura; siblings: Don, Rachel (Matthew) and Margaret (Michael); his stepmother Julia and many nieces and nephews. Rich is preceded in death by his parents and his uncle Dick. Please visit Rich's memory page at www.mccowensecord.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Kalamazoo Gospel Ministry.