Richard Frank "Rich" Deruiter

Richard Frank "Rich" DeRuiter, co-founder of Scene Magazine, of Battle Creek passed on Thursday evening, August 22, 2019 surrounded by his children at Elkhart General Hospital at the age of 77.

He was born March 27, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI to Tony and Verna E. (Strang) DeRuiter. Richard grew up in Grand Rapids. His post-graduate studies were completed at Kendall School of Design.

Richard F. DeRuiter and Shirley M. Lennen were united in marriage on September 8, 1960. He was preceded in death by Shirley, he wife of 53 years on November 24, 2013.

Rich had retired from the family business in his mid sixties to turn to his first love of design. He would commonly call himself a "Picker" as he was always searching for unique antiques to line the walls of his booths in Allen, MI. He was skilled at antique restoration and had the most amazing gift of gab.

Together with his wife, they had many proud moments with the publication over the years but were especially pleased to have shared the accomplishments of so many with the Man or Woman of the Year award. "I came to this town to draw pictures," he was often heard saying. But taking on the role as 'Community Cheerleader' through Scene Magazine ignited a passion that the entire DeRuiter family got behind. Scene continues under the leadership of their son Rick DeRuiter and daughter, Sherii Sherban.

Through his advertising agency, WW Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc., and parent company to Scene Publications, Rich worked with clients locally and internationally. One of his proudest moments was his involvement in the new mascot design for Michigan State University, also known as Sparty. His design was chosen and he traveled out of state to provide oversight during the final construction of Sparty. His design has won numerous mascot awards and is the design seen on the field today.

Rich has been involved with countless local organizations during his time with the company. He was most recently involved in preserving history and antiques as well as sharing his knowledge.

The 'As Scene By… Richard & Shirley DeRuiter Fund for Future Visionaries' was established at the Battle Creek Community Foundation in 2008 in recognition of the impact that Richard and Shirley have had on our community to provide scholarships to local students wanting to pursue educational opportunities beyond high school related to the publishing field.

Rich is survived by his children, Rick (Terri) DeRuiter, Sherii (Keith) Sherban, Shelii Penny; grandchildren, Anthony "Tony" DeRuiter, Alyssa (Anthony) Barrett, David Sherban, Christyn (Nicholas) McCleary, Ashlynn Penny, and Samantha Penny; great grandchildren Charlotte Barrett, Kenzington McCleary, Gillian McCleary, and Collin Gibson; and his sisters, Joyce (Bud) Hammond and Karen (Jim) Terwall. Rich was preceded in death by his wife Shirley DeRuiter of 53 years, by his parents, and his father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Florence Lennen.

A private memorial service will be scheduled in the near future when all out-of-state paperwork is completed. Friends can find details at the Farley Estes & Dowdle website when confirmed.

Memorial contributions can be made to the As Scene By...Richard and Shirley DeRuiter Scholarship Fund for Future Visionaries at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W Michigan Ave., Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI, 49017 or http://www.bccfoundation.org/giving/As_Scene_By. Personal messages for the family or personal remembrances of Rich may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.