Richard Arthur Claes

   Richard Arthur Claes 86 of Harbor Springs died July 28, 2016. He was born April 25, 1930 in Detroit to Cyril Camille and Leona Marie (Jacque) Claes. He attended Detroit schools and graduated from Southeastern High School. He then attended Lawrence Institute of Technology where he studied engineering.

   On July 15, 1948 he married Catherine Lee Tewkesbury in Detroit. He served an apprenticeship at Burroughs Corp. as a tool and die maker then worked several years at jobbing shops that served the auto industry. He retired from the City of Detroit Water Department.

   He enjoyed golf which he played for 70 years, playing chess,  playing the piano and after he turned 80 he taught himself to speak german.

   Richard is survived by his wife Catherine, children Daniel Claes, Andrea Becker (Richard), Jocelyn Lapo (Charles), Matthew Claes, Adam Claes (Wanda), Jason Claes (Patricia), grandchildren Edwin Claes, Christopher Claes, Esther Brill (Robert), Jenna Ellis (Jesse), Ian Claes (Ashley), great grandchildren Sage, Caleb, Hailey, Julian, Terra, Evan, Hayden, Soren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 children Richard, Bradley, and Catherine, sister Mary Lee Cook and brother Robert Claes.

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