Read Dr. Richard "Dick" Tapert's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Dr. Richard "Dick" Tapert

Ferndale, MI, USA

August 20, 1935 - September 17, 2020

Aug 20, 1935 - Sep 17, 2020

Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Dr. Richard E. Tapert, (Dick) passed away peacefully at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital on September 17, 2020 surrounded by family and friends at the age of 85. Dick was a 1953 graduate of St. Paul’s High School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree and then went on to obtain his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathy in 1963. Dr. Tapert practiced as an osteopathic physician in Detroit, MI and later in St. Clair Shores for many years, focusing on natural healing, Chelation Therapy, Acupuncture, and immune boosting treatments. He was a leader in integrative medicine and was considered ahead of his time. Dick was much beloved by his patients, as many came great distances from other states and even Canada. Although Dick was a sought-after healer, his true passion was music. He began his love of music at the early age of 6 playing the violin. He soon moved to the piano and later to the vibraphone. He formed the jazz band Dr. Dick’s good vibes in the 1970s and played with his band all over the metro Detroit area. He was very well known in the local jazz scene and would play at the Detroit Montreux festival in the early days. Dick also had a love of art, nature, beauty, and photography. As a hobby he loved to paint with acrylics in a very colorful style. Dick also loved to travel and was able to visit many beautiful places like Ecuador, Panama, and Hawaii with his wife Grace. In his earlier days he traveled to the Bahamas, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and other Caribbean islands with family and friends. He loved to learn about the local culture and photograph the people and the beautiful scenery. He was greatly adored by his family and friends and will be missed dearly by all that came to know him.

Dr. Richard E. Tapert was preceded in death by his father Dr. Julius C. Tapert, Mother Margaret E. Tapert, son Daniel R. Tapert and older brother, Thomas J. Tapert.

Beloved husband of 12 years to Grace A. Tapert of Ferndale, MI, Dear father to Traci A. (Curt) Goure of Fountain Hills, AZ, and beloved step father to; Sarah Little, of Ferndale, MI, William Little of Taylor, John (Stacy) Little of Livonia, MI. Dear brother to; John (Candy) Tapert of Duval, WA, William (Pricilla) Tapert of New York, NY, Margaret Tapert of Zurich, Switzerland, and Julie (Alan) Trombetta of Vancouver, WA. Lovingly remembered by grandchildren; Daniel M. (Maggie)Tapert, Kyle B. Tapert, Evan C. (Joleen) Elgie, Dana M. (Ian) Elgie, Aaron J. Goure, Jonathan P. Goure, Clark Little, Cashton Little, Jackson Little, Peyton Little, Morgan Little and great-grandchildren; Matthew Tapert, Patrick Tapert and Wesley Elgie. Dr. Tapert is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.