Richard M. Rideout

Richard M. Rideout passed away quietly July 16, 2016 after a valiant battle with an aggressive cancer.  Richard was born to Richard F. and Dorothy M. Rideout on February 12, 1945 in Berrien Springs, MI.  He returned to Berrien Springs to complete his BS degree from Andrews University from 1967- 1969, and continued to live there until April 2016 when he went to live in Yucaipa, CA, with his sister and brother-in-law to obtain medical care from Loma Linda University Hospital.   

Richard was a journeyman printer and worked in that career until 1975 when he began, what he referred to as his “ true calling”, working for Stanley Hill at Your Story Hour, the children’s radio ministry based in Berrien Springs. The rest of his life was shaped by his work at YSH, and he continued to faithfully serve his Lord in that ministry until his death.  We look forward to the day when he will joyfully meet all the children whose lives he touched.

Richard was born with a passion for cars, from his first toys to his last pickup truck. If you wanted to start a conversation with him, cars was always a good topic.  History was also a passion for him, especially researching civil war and black history as well as Seventh-day Adventist history.  He spent many happy hours volunteering at the Battle Creek Adventist Village.  

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Constance (Rideout) and Lester Lorenz; his brother, Stephen A. Rideout; two nieces, Amy Lorenz and Rachel Rideout; a nephew, Lars Lorenz and his wife Christina; and two great-nephews, Jakob and Lukas.  An aunt and uncle, Edith and Stanley Applegate, and an aunt, Dorothy Metzger and numerous cousins and friends also mourn his passing.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 3:30 on August 27, 2016 in the Youth Chapel of Pioneer Memorial Church.  Interment will be private.

Recently Richard had expressed a desire to start a ministry of contributing Your Story Hour programs to nursing homes and care facilities.  A contribution to the Richard M. Rideout Memorial Fund will help us honor that wish. Contributions may be sent to Your Story Hour, P.O. Box 15, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.  Please clearly mark your contribution for the Rideout Memorial Fund.  Online condolences www.allredfuneralhome.com.