Dellion "Rip" Couturier passed away on December 12, 2022.

Dellion "Rip" Couturier passed away on December 12, 2022. Rip was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Louisa Couturier; and siblings Dale, Murrile, Lucille, and Shirley. Shelia, his sister, survives him. Rip was born in Lake Leelanau, Michigan on November 8, 1933. He moved to McKenzie Bridge at age 8, attended school there, and graduated in 1951.
He loved McKenzie High and met Patsy Davenport there.
Rip was a star basketball and baseball player. He and his pals, Jerry and Stan, hitchhiked from school to McKenzie Bridge every night after practice—a ten-mile hike if they didn’t get a ride.
Rip met his sweetheart, Patsy, and they were married on August 2, 1952. They celebrated their 70th anniversary this year.
Marlene (David) Culp, Richard Couturier, Marilyn Queener, Kristine Walter, ten grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren are a result of their union.
Rip served in the Army from 4/15/1953 to 3/15/1955. He was stationed in Paris, France, and served in the motor pool, where he traveled throughout France and Germany.
A favorite pastime was attending the kids' sporting events; he never missed a home game and went to many away games. He loved watching Herbert and Mariota and all the Duck basketball and football games. 
Rip prided himself on being a hard, steady worker; he retired from Bohemia Log Yard after 30 years as a heavy equipment operator.
Rip enjoyed mowing our five acres on London Road. He kept it in park-like condition, ready for a family campout, a picnic, a place to climb trees and build forts. The kids spent hours there. Over 50 Christmases, Thanksgivings, several graduations, wedding receptions, birthdays, etc. were hosted there.
A big thank you to Drs. Ameen, Koh, and Farillo, whose knowledge and skills gave us eight great years with Rip. The nurses and staff at Riverbend provided great care and compassion.
Rip will be missed by a large, loving family and many friends. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.