Richard James Tapper, 74, of Bruce Township, passed quietly away on Jan. 20, 2019 while surrounded by loved ones. He was born Dec. 21, 1942.
Dick was an entrepreneur who founded several businesses throughout his lifetime, his last being a manufacturing company, Buchanan Metal Forming, which he ran with his son, Chris. Aside from his family, he was most passionate about his garden, Tapper Gardens. The garden was located at his home in Romeo and he opened it up for public viewing every summer. He loved to share this labor of love with others and it gave him immense joy to have people walk around and enjoy his gardens. He was also an avid poker player who participated in numerous poker tournaments throughout the country. Dick was also a firm believer in giving back, and gave generously to many charities. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke or two. Dick was also known as being a devoted animal lover. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his children, Christopher (Anastasia), Dean, Amy (Gavin), Jamie and Scott; grandchildren, Jade, James, Angelina, Nikolai, Alexander, Callianne, Kyle and Aiden; and sisters, Jane Wrubel (Eugene) and Ellen Adray.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Carole.
Visitation will be 2-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo.
Funeral services will take place 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1 at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Bruce Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Judson Center or Samaritan House would be greatly appreciated.
