Billy C. Rivard

Billy C. Rivard, age 82 of Caspian, MI, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the Northstar Health System, Iron River. Born: November 17, 1926 in Gaastra, MI The son of the late William and Mabel (Gallup) Rivard attended the Platka School in Gaastra. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Philippines during World War II. He then returned to the area and worked in the C.C. Camps. After that he worked in Detroit at Burrough Manufacturing, making office machines. He later returned to Caspian and worked in the local mines for M.A. Hanna Mining Company for 33 years until his retirement in 1981. Billy married the former Beatrice Anderson on June 13, 1953 and the couple made their home in Caspian. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year. He was a member of St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Reino Post #21. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice One daughter, Arbutus ""Bootsy"" and Neil Tappa of Coleman, WI Three sons; Mark (Terry) Rivard of Gaastra William (Patty) Rivard of Caspian Blaine (Carol) Rivard of Gaastra 13 grandchildren 17 great grandchildren One brother, Earl Rivard Two sisters; Patricia ""Lucy"" Lindstrom Genevive Dickson Numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by one daughter, Bonnie LaRock; one great granddaughter, Hannah Jane Ziemer; three brothers, Charles, Donald and James Rivard; three sisters, Jane Gehloff, Ardell Geiger and Mary Louise Andler. Visitation: Tuesday September 8, 2009 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. Funeral Service: Tuesday September 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, with Rev. Norman Clisch, pastor to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Pallbearers: Grandsons; Nathan Tappa, Jason and Joshua Rivard, Matthew Rivard, Brandon, Derrick Smith, David Olsen, Glen Ziemer and Daniel Marcell Interment: Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River The West Side Veterans Council will accord Military Rites. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Billy C. Rivard, please visit our flower store.