Richard Todd Pilbeam

Richard Todd Pilbeam, 60, from Manitou Beach, Michigan, took his last breath Tuesday, March 23, 2021, moments after his knees were no longer in the breeze!  Richard grew up in Britton, MI, the son of Mervin and Mary (Hall) Pilbeam. He never stopped talking about all of the amazing people he grew up with and the many things he got to experience during his younger years! He was a proud member of the Britton Macon class of 1979.  Richard lost his father, Mervin, in 1973 when he was not quite 13 years old. His mother, Mary lost her courageous battle with cancer on February 1, 1992.  He met his wife, Holly (Smith) Pilbeam, and they had their first date September 19, 1991. They were married May 1, 1992. The road they traveled was never easy and was filled with many bumps during the 29 years they were a part of each other’s lives! But the one thing that never faulted, was the love they had for each other from their first moment spent together!  Over the years they were able to take several motorcycle trips, but their favorite place to travel was anywhere near the Smokey Mountains!  After their marriage, they welcomed their first child, Keiri Richard (Pilbeam) Hawker into the world in January of 1993. And two and a half years later they welcomed their second child, Krystyna Joanne (Pilbeam) Kopke entered the world in July 1995. Richard was a father who loved these two more than words could say.  As much as Richard loved being a father, in December 2014, he found out what it was like to be a Papa!  He has 2 grandsons, Brooks and Gideon who meant the world to him!  He leaves behind his wife of almost 29 years, Holly, his children, Keiri Richard (Pilbeam) Hawker and his husband Jonny Hawker, and Krystyna Joanne (Pilbeam) Kopke and her husband Michael Kopke, as well as Krystyna and Michael's sons, Brooks, Gideon and Leo (who is due in late July 2021). He also leaves behind his mother in law Peggy Wright, sister in law Sharre Wilson and brother in law Dennis Smith as well as his nephews Todd and Michael, their spouses and their children, and a very special friend Penny!  He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Mervin Michael, and many, many friends and family including his unborn granddaughter Abbigale, nephew Eric Smith, his father in law Wayne Wright and his great nephew Landon Hall. He left this world doing the one thing he loved the most, having his knees in the breeze on his motorcycle. If he had to go, he would not have wanted it to be any other way! He had an enormous heart and was one of the kindest souls to ever walk this earth! To say he will be missed can never convey how he truly is going to be missed!  Per his wishes, Richard has been cremated. His family plans on having a public get together later this Spring. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Todd Pilbeam, please visit our floral store.