*Sweet, Richard *April 18, 1910-August 27, 2009. Richard Sweet was born to William H. Sweet and Nellie Dodge Sweet on April 18, 1910, in Cadillac, Michigan. The family finally consisted of 5 girls and Richard. The father was in the decorating and painting business and did well until lumbering folde d, and the family moved to Grand Rapids in June of 1927, where they fared well until the crash of 1929. Richard graduated from South High School in 1930, one year ahead of Gerald Ford, our former president. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College and finished in June 1932 with neither funds nor work. He joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps, the "stimulus plan" of the 30s) which was just starting to recruit unemployed young men. Richard was in the CCC until the spring of 1933 when his father requested he return home to help him. Mr. Sweet made application for the Michigan State Police in 1934 and was called for school on August 17, 1937. He worked with the State Police for 25 years and retired on August 25, 1962. Afterward, he worked as an attendance officer for a school district from 1967 to June 1974. Meanwhile, his dearest wife Elmine taught Latin, English, French and German in high schools for 39 years, retiring at the same time from Mt Pleasant High School, Michigan. Almost immediately they moved to Sun City, Arizona, and began a retirement life of 30+ wonderful years. The first order of business was joining Faith Presbyterian Church. They entered the Royal Oaks Lifecare Community in May of 1991. Mrs. Sweet passed away November 22, 2003. Richard was called by his maker on August 27, 2009 at the age of 99 1/2. Mr. Sweet is survived by his nephews Bill Wiersma and Patrick Samuels, niece Rose Wiersma, grandnephews Michael Wiersma and Daniel Gilland, as well as grandnieces Victoria Ervin and Pamela Schwallier. Next to his fondest admiration of his dearest wife, Elmine, Mr. Sweet was proudest of his second love; having been a member of the State Troopers of Michigan, as well as joining his many Masonic colleagues at Lodges across Michigan and Arizona. Through them and other charities, Mr. Sweet became a great philanthropist for so many causes, especially the Children's Hospital, Children-at-risk, Shriner's Children Circus, the blind, and his monthly favorite, the Food Bank. Services will take place at the chapel of Sunland Memorial Cemetery, 15826 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ., 85351, on Monday, September 28, at 10:00 am, the Rev. Dr. David L. Van Arsdale presiding.