Walter "Dick" Harrison

Walter Richard “Dick” Harrison passed away on February 21, 2024 at the age of 93.  He was born on September 22, 1930 in Augusta, Michigan, one of 11 children born to Walter Clark and Flora (Gamble) Harrison.  Dick attended W.K. Kellogg Agricultural School, graduating in 1948.   

He resided in Barry County since 1964.  At that time he became involved in the Barry County 4-H program as a “General Club Leader” and eventually became the president of the Barry County 4-H Council.   He was also involved in organizing the Delton Athletic Boosters Club and was its inaugural president.  Dick was a member of the 172^nd Fighter Squadron that was activated from Kellogg Field in 1951 and was honorably discharged in August of 1952 at the end of the Korean war.  In 1987 Dick retired as District Service Manager from Consumers Power Co. after 38 years of service. After retiring, he obtained a real-estate license and worked for several offices in the Battle Creek area.

Dick’s passion in life (second only to the love for his family), was raising, breeding and racing Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds.  He became quite good at this.  The American Quarter Horse Association (“AQHA”) recently honored him for his success by recognizing him as one of Quarter Horse Industry’s leading breeders for over 50-years. Many of his horses made a name for themselves on racetracks all over the country and he was still actively involved until his death.  He had been the past president of the Great Lakes Quarter Horse Association and member of its Board of Directors for several years.   He was also a member of the AQHA serving on their Racing Committee Board.  He was a true cowboy at heart.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, all of his 10 brothers and sisters and a son Timothy Harrison.  Surviving are his wife and constant companion Lois (Washington), son Phil (Janet) Harrison, grandchildren Arin (Roberto) Giannandrea, Gabe (Dorothy) Harrison and Jessica (Justin) Dixon.  Also surviving are six (6) great grandchildren and two (2) Great-Great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave. (M-89) Richland, MI 49083.  Funeral services to celebrate Dick’s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Hickory Corners Bible Church, 13720 Kellogg School Rd. Hickory Corners, MI 49060.  Interment with military honors will follow at East Hickory Corners Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice), 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 https://centricacare.org/.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Dick may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.