NORTHPORT- Richard “Dick” Alden Grout reached the end of his extraordinary life on December 19, 2024, at the age of 104 years, 1 month and 15 days. His was indeed a life well lived marked by service, resilience, and a profound dedication to family, community, and country.

Dick was born on November 4, 1920, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Harold and Margaret (Knapp) Grout. Richard was the oldest of three children and graduated from Brown University in 1942.

A decorated World War II veteran, Dick proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of captain. As a member of the 112th Combat Engineer Battalion, Dick was part of the first wave during the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. Tasked with clearing obstacles to ensure the advancement of Allied forces, he displayed extraordinary courage and leadership. Severely wounded during the Ardennes campaign, Dick continued his service after recovering, leading engineering companies in critical operations across Europe.

On December 13, 1945, in Dumfries, Scotland, Dick married Norma Harkness Dundas who preceded him in death on February 6, 1985. In their forty years together they settled in Boston, then Los Angeles and finally relocated to Orchard Lake, MI to raise their three children “in the country”. Dick and Norma, on impulse, bought a 50-acre farm near Northport and in 1982 when Dick retired, they made this their permanent home.

Dick later married Marion Neuenswander Thomas on May 3, 1986, in Suttons Bay. Marion shared his passion for travel, and together they explored destinations worldwide, including Venice, Moscow, Fiji, and South Africa. Marion preceded him in death on December 25, 2014.

Dick’s commitment to community was evident through his involvement in the Suttons Bay Leelanau Rotary Club. In 2022, at the age of 101, he joined fellow Rotarians in a skydiving fundraiser to support the fight against polio, embodying his adventurous spirit and dedication to making a difference. A faithful member of the Suttons Bay Congregational Church, and a founding member of the Traverse City International Affairs Forum which promotes a greater understanding of the world through education and dialog.

In January 2024, Dick was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, France’s highest distinction, for his role in liberating France during the war. Reluctant to claim recognition for his heroism, Dick humbly accepted this honor on behalf of his fellow soldiers.

Dick’s steady positivity and humility left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Dick is survived by his children, Donna (Francois) Mouzard, Douglas ( Janet) Grout, and Bruce (Carol) Grout; his stepchildren Janet Beger, Cathie ( Jeff ) Hufford, his grandchildren, Christian (Anile) Mouzard, Stephanie (Jesse) Bowden, Ian (Lisa) Grout, Travis (Kate) Grout, Kaitlin Grout, and Hunter Grout; his step grandchildren Jonathan Beger, Justin (Denise) Beger, Matt (Lisa) Hufford, Lyndsay (Chris) Frost: great grandchildren: Romeo and Phoenix Bowden, Elena and Aiden Grout and Marjorie Grout and step great grandchildren Mason and Brooklyn Beger, Abby and Lily Hufford, Parker, Ryan and Dylan Frost He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces and many, many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Norma, his second wife Marion, his sister Esther Mullen and brother Robert (Bob) Grout.

A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s remarkable life will be held at 11am on January 18th at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church.

A private family burial will take place at a later date in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Cordia Employee Hardship Fund, Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons, 600 Cottageview Dr., Traverse City, 49684 Suttons Bay Rotary Foundation P.O. Box 48, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 International Affairs Forum NMC Foundation, 1701 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686 Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.