Richard H. Hines

Richard H. Hines, 89, of Berrien Springs passed away March 22, 2016 after a long illness.  As he wished, he departed this life in the home he built 48 years ago.

Mr. Hines was born in Chicago on November 15, 1926, to Raymond and Elizabeth Hines.  He grew up on the south side of Chicago, an all-American boy loving sports and helping his father in the family’s construction business.  Like many young men of that era, he left high school during World War II to serve his country.  Knowing he would be drafted, he chose the Navy, as his grandfather had done.  Richard was stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa, where he was designated a Seaman First Class in the military communications unit known as the Signal Corps.

When he returned from the military, Mr. Hines honed his skills as a brick and stone craftsman and worked weekends as a lifeguard.  While on duty at a summer camp in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 1947, he met the love of his life, Ramona Crubaugh, of Downers Grove, Illinois.  The sweethearts were married September 30, 1950.  After spending several years in the Chicago suburbs, they relocated to southwest Michigan, where the Hines family had a summer home.  Richard and Ramona celebrated 65 years of marriage on September 30, 2015.  Mrs. Hines faithfully cared for her husband for many years after his health began to decline later in life.

Mr. Hines built countless patios, planters, driveways, and sidewalks throughout Berrien County, but his specialty was masonry, especially beautiful floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplaces which are considered a lost art today.  His back-to-back fireplaces are still in use at the 1839 Courthouse Museum in Berrien Springs.  He was fond of saying, “layers in cake, rows in corn, and courses in brick.”

Richard loved spending time with his family, rooting for the Chicago Bears, boating on Lake Chapin, and a good barbeque.  He was a member of Berrien Center Bible Church and built their new church in 1972.

Mr. Hines was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Raymond; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

He is survived by his sons:  Mitch, Chad (Mary), and Dr. Richard (Rosalie), all of Berrien Springs; along with two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is one brother, Ralph (Yvette) of Berrien Springs.

Mrs. Hines would like to thank her family members who helped care for Richard for so long.  Special thanks go to longtime caregiver Regeana Hubbard.

There will be no services or visitation.  Cremation has taken place.  The family will gather for a time of remembrance at a later date.  Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.