Nationally Prominent Michigan Auto Dealer Richard F. "Dick" Huvaere Dies At 72
RICHMOND, Mich., Feb. 17, 2017 -- Nationally prominent Richmond, Mich.-based auto dealer, businessman, community and industry leader Richard F. "Dick" Huvaere died last night surrounded by his family in Key Largo, FL from a decade-long fight with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 72.
Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that contributions be made to the Huvaere Family Endowed Scholarship at Northwood University in Midland, Mich. In lieu of flowers.
"We lost our father, buddy, and best friend – and the industry and community lost a dynamic leader – but we are inspired by his vision to always strive for the best, always make things better and always put the customer and community first," son Ryan Roscia, President and Dealer Principal of Dick Huvaere's Richmond [dealership] said.
Huvaere with his family and team grew a small rural auto dealership in Richmond, Mich., north of Detroit, into one of the five largest dealership businesses in the nation, which became the foundation and inspiration for other businesses with strong community and charity engagements.
"There is no question my father's advice, training and support are at the core of our cultural projects in Detroit," son Jason Huvaere said, referring to internationally famous Detroit-based Paxahau, an events company producing dozens of events each year, including a globally recognized music festival, drawing tens of thousands from around the world to experience the cultural values of Detroit, Huvaere's birth city. "That gave him great pleasure as he deeply loved Detroit," Jason added.
The deep respect of his fellow dealers, even tough competitors, was symbolized by his continual election for nearly four decades as a Trustee, and more than a decade as Chairman by the nearly 600 members of the Michigan Auto Dealers Self-Insured Fund (MADSIF),
Huvaere was well-known for his constant push for community and charity engagements, which always came with his humor and a twinkle in his eyes that put even strangers at immediate ease forging deep personal bonds of friendship, value and trust.
"We pause today to honor his memory, celebrate his vitality, and remember his spirit that touched all of our hearts, minds and funny bones," Roscia added. "We take strength in continuing his vision and legacy to be our personal best, and to make the best of every day and every personal contact."
Huvaere is survived by his wife Stephanie; sons Jason, Ron and Ryan; daughter Sara and three grandchildren.
SOURCE Dick Huvaere's Richmond Dealership
CONTACT: Re-Kenya N. Roberson, RNR@bassettbassett.com, or Leland K. Bassett, lkb@bassettbassett.com, Both: 313-965-3010
