Dick Bresnahan

Mr. Richard J. Bresnahan, age 81, of rural Sand Lake, passed away Tuesday evening, Feb. 21, 2006 at his home. The son of John C. & Catherine M. (Schafer) Bresnahan, he was born on June 3, 1924 in Grand Rapids. A proud veteran of World War II, he interrupted his education and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served with the 86th Mountain Division in the European and Middle Eastern theatres. After returning home, he returned to Creston High School, earned his diploma, and then graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in agriculture. On Sept. 27, 1949, in Grand Rapids, he married the former Virginia J. Dayton. Dick was a co-founder and co-owner of the Pando Ski Area, as well as a partner in Bresnahan Bros. Septic Tank Co. While he enjoyed skiing, sailing, camping, and traveling, but he found his greatest pleasure in riding his motorcycle -- which he did until this past fall. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian Bresnahan; his wife, Virginia; and four brothers, Joseph, Roger, Thomas, and Robert. Surviving are four children, Susanne M. & Bruce Pickle of Sand Lake, Michael J. & Dianne Bresnahan of Seattle, Wash., Polly Bresnahan-Campbell and Jeff Ehle, and Cass & Mary Bresnahan, all of Sand Lake; a daughter-in-law, Sue Bresnahan of Sand Lake; a brother and three sisters, Don Bresnahan of Grand Rapids, Mary Schulty of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Frances Nulty of Canadian Lakes, and Patsy & Bill Vance of Bonita Springs, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Mary Dayton of Bradenton, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Dicks life was on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006 at the Winter Inn, Greenville. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and burial, with full military honors, will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at Spencer Mills Cemetery (17 Mile Road N.E., just off of Lincoln Lake Avenue). Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan (Big Rapids). To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dick Bresnahan, please visit our flower store.