Richard Joseph Waldo

Richard Joseph Waldo, age 86, of Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born on October 13, 1939, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was the son of Clarence Theodore Waldo and Leora Lee Waldo (Moore). After graduating from Seattle Pacific College with a degree in Psychology, Rick went on to serve in the Air Force as a Missile Launch Officer in the Strategic Air Command stationed at Minot AFB, North Dakota. In 1965, he was honorably discharged and headed across the country to Boston, Massachusetts. In Boston Rick began a 35 year career as a life insurance underwriter for John Hancock Insurance. At the suggestion of his mother, Rick began attending Park Street Church in Boston. It was at church, in the Grad Group, that Rick met many life long friends. It was also here that he met his future bride, Dorothy Elaine Lunde, on a Grad Group camping trip to Martha's Vineyard. Rick and Dot were engaged 5 weeks later.

On June 17, 1967, Rick married Dot, the love of his life. Their marriage of 53 years was blessed with two children, Susan (Jabin) Bell and Michael (Stacey) Waldo. Rick's wife and kids would become the center of his world. Rick also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Leora, Tobin, Marisa and Caspian Bell, and Ben and Jason Waldo. He is survived by his brother Ted Waldo of San Jose, CA and sister, Alice Hatch of Klamath Falls, OR and many nieces and nephews.

Dot and Rick were longtime members of Park Street Church while they lived in Wellesley. After retirement in 2002, they moved to Mashpee on Cape Cod where they became members of Christ Chapel. In the winter they attended Seacrest Presbyterian Church in Florida. Rick was active in the church throughout his life. He loved singing in the choir and was a Gideon. Together with Dorothy, he was a constant witness with a Bible in hand, ready to share the word of God. After Dorothy passed in 2020, Rick moved to West Michigan to be near family. He was a member of Ferrysburg Christian Reformed Church.

Rick lived out his Christian faith. Rick was faithful in spending time with God and reading the Bible every morning. He was kind, patient, and faithful. To his children, Rick was a wonderful example of God’s love in human form. He made it easy for them to accept Jesus Christ as their Father in heaven. To all who met him, Rick was a constant example of a servant.

Rick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (2020), and his parents.

Rick will be laid to rest at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. There will be a private family gathering at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International in his memory.