Richard C. LaPlant

Richard Charles “Dick” LaPlant of Bay City passed peacefully with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side Monday, June 16, 2025 at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI. He was 71 years old.

Dick was born June 27, 1953 to Viola Edna (Krause) and Virgil Albert LaPlant Sr., the youngest of six children. At age 12, he lost his father and at 13 he started trimming trees with a brother-in-law turned father figure, Spence Kennedy. This taught him to have a strong work ethic, among other things. He also held a special bond with his older brother, Ed, leaning on each other through many of life's trials.

Throughout high school and beyond, he played in a garage rock ‘n roll band with childhood friend Mike Levengood, called “100 Proof” as well as a bluegrass band called “Moon Shine’s Still” with friends Don Periard, Barry Duke and Earl Denomme. He attended Visitation High School where he played football (and lost!) under Wayne Fontes and graduated in the 1971 class of West Catholic Central in Bay City. Following high school, he spent time hitchhiking down the east coast to Florida, then out to Colorado with his beloved dog, Uriah. Across the many roads he travelled, he met a plethora of unique individuals and learned many new perspectives on life.

In March of 1978, Dick began a 40-year long career at Means Industries in Saginaw, MI. He was invited to participate in an apprenticeship program through Delta College. In 1984, he graduated from Delta College as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker and completed their apprenticeship program in 1985. For the next 10 years, he was a union Tool and Die Maker, where he also served as the recording secretary. During this time, he helped to negotiate several UAW Contracts. In 1996 he became the Skilled Trades Toolroom Supervisor and by 2018 retired as Tooling Engineer.

While working at Means, Dick met his soulmate, Kathleen Janis “Kathie/Kate” Cotie. They were married June 4, 1983 and spent the next 42 years building a beautiful legacy together. He was a man of great humility, kindness and gratitude who had a love of being outside and marveling at God’s creation, especially sunsets. Most of all, though, he loved being with his family, children and grandchildren. Whether it was swimming and a bonfire in the backyard, the annual family camping trip at Outdoor Adventures, or simply the bimonthly LaPlant Sunday Family Funday for church and then dinner. During these times he never missed an opportunity to plant seeds for thought in the form of quotes like, “What you do today, you live tomorrow.” Or, “An honest days’ work for an honest days’ wage.” Among many others.

Together, Dick and Kathie attended The Christian Assembly, where they both served on the Executive Committee. Since 2010, he served as Chairman of the Executive Committee and enjoyed serving his Lord in any capacity he could.

He is survived by his wife, Kathie LaPlant of Bay City; son, Russell Richard LaPlant of Bay City; daughter, Tara Marie Bartoy (Ron Roth) of Bay City; and daughter-in-law, Julie Ann (Crowl) LaPlant of Sanford; grandchildren, William Edward Riley Ⅲ, Briana Rose Lechty, Paige Marguerite LaPlant, Jared Russell LaPlant, Lucas Joseph Bartoy, Reece Anthony LaPlant, Dylan Richard LaPlant, Liam Daniel Bartoy; brother, Edward (Michelle) LaPlant; brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter “Spence” Kennedy, William (Naomi Schroeder) Cotie, Julie (Thomas) Westphal, Michael (Jennifer Rutherford) Cotie, Tamara (John) Wendling; and so many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Viola and Virgil LaPlant; his son, Jason Adam LaPlant; siblings, Virgil LaPlant Jr., Janice Morely, Beatrice Kennedy, and Albert LaPlant; nephew, David Morely; and in-laws, William and Janis Cotie.

The family will receive visitors at Gephart Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 201 W. Midland St. Bay City, MI 48706 from 2pm-8pm on his 72nd birthday, Friday June 27, 2025 with a funeral service on Saturday June 28, 2025 at The Christian Assembly, 401 E. Vermont St. Bay City, MI 48706 officiated by Pastor Matt Place. There will be an additional visitation from 11am-12pm at church with the service beginning at 12pm. At the conclusion of service, there will be a funeral procession to Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 N. Henry St. Bay City, MI 48706 for burial. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider The Christian Assembly Church.

A special heart-felt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the NTICU at myMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI. Your kindness and compassion are truly a blessing.

“All things will be revealed in the end.”-Richard LaPlant