Richard Evenhouse

Richard George Evenhouse died peacefully in his home on February 27, 2019 in Holland, MI at the age of 80.

Rich is survived by his wife, Georgia McClain Evenhouse; sons, Richard and Eric Evenhouse, both of Holland, MI; daughter-in-law, Larissa Evenhouse; his four beloved grandchildren, Elouisa Marie, Rosie Mae, Richard Sullivan and Gibson Scott Evenhouse; step daughter and son, Lisa and Adam Pfeil of Romeo, MI; step-grandchildren, Paxton and Joelle Pfiel; sister, Karen Klein; brothers, John, George and Jim Evenhouse. He is preceded in death by his parents, Winnie and Aldrich Evenhouse; first wife, Maria Louisa (Sanchez) Evenhouse; brothers, Dr. Henry Evenhouse of Palos Heights, IL and Edward Evenhouse of Holland, MI; as well as other beloved family and friends.

In 1938 Rich was born in Oak Park, IL to Winnie (Wiltjer) and Aldrich Evenhouse. He graduated from Chicago Christian High School in 1956, attended Calvin College for one year and graduated from Walton School of Commerce with an Associate Degree in Accounting. He served in the United States Army, Fort Riley, Kansas between 1961 and 1963.

In 1965 he ran his own refuse collection business, Active Disposal Company, in the city of Detroit, MI. From there, he married first wife, Louisa, in 1971 and two years later had a son, Richard Dean.

Rich had a knack for business management and, in 1977, took an opportunity to plan and manage the first year operation for waste collection services in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an effort which ultimately lasted three years and afforded him the opportunity to travel the world with his wife and son.

In 1979, his second son, Eric Scott, was born in Rochester, MI and during that time he served as treasurer and member of North Hills Church in Troy, MI (1981-1983) and Dearborn Christian School in Dearborn, MI (1985-1988).

Rich worked hard to build a career within the refuse business and Waste Management, Inc., a career which spanned over 23 years. He retired in 1988 and spent the rest of his retirement visiting other countries with his family, traveling in his motor home with his wife, Georgia, and enjoying time spent with the many friends and family they shared. He was a business mentor and investor to a number of family owned businesses throughout the Midwest and was a major influence in the successful careers of many former colleagues.

In his later years, Rich was wholly dedicated to his family and had an amazing love for his four grandchildren.

Rich always had a twinkle in his eye, a wry wit and a sly smile. His kind and gentle personality would endear him to anyone he talked to. He was a very generous man, giving to organizations like Calvin College, plus a variety of charities and churches throughout his life. He was well loved and respected throughout his extended family and he will be sorely missed by all.

The family would especially like to thank staff of the Fresenius Medical Care, Holland Hospital and Holland Hospice for their care and dedication in his treatment.

Rich had requested a celebrations of life gathering instead of formal funeral services. All of his family, friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend, please R.S.V.P.

The Celebration of life will be May 19, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, 216 Van Raalte Avenue - Holland, Michigan. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-the-life-of-richard-george-evenhouse-tickets-60810193927 to R.S.V.P.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Rich’s name to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI.