Richard Damian “Dick” Lutovsky, Captain of Old Yeller and Founder of Dick’s Last Resort on Patterson Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at his home with loved ones. He faced his battle with dementia with strength and courage. He leaves the Dam Site Inn and life in general a little quieter now that his laugh is gone.
A Michigander through and through, Dick was born in Ann Arbor on April 12, 1957, the son of Raymond E. and Rosemary A. (Lyons) Lutovsky. Dick graduated from Chelsea High School in 1975, and then attended Ohio Technical College. He returned to Chelsea and worked at Chelsea Proving Grounds as an Impact Technician, finally retiring in 2020.
Dick found joy living his ideal laker life driving his pontoon boat around the Patterson chain of lakes. He savored the finer sides of Michigan: a good IPA, an all-night bonfire, the opening of deer season, and the Lions Thanksgiving game, particularly when Nickelback was the halftime show. A cyclone of energy, he spent many hours training and competing in triathlons across the state, and often he was seen running or biking on the Potawatomi trail and dirt roads close to him. Little in stature but big of heart, Dick will be missed by everyone he helped—and that list is very, very long as his generosity and warmth made him a “go-to” guy. Need a snow plow? Go to Dick. Need help fixing a lazy susan? Go to Dick. Need help putting in or taking out your boat? Go to Dick. He constantly modeled how to be a kind, giving man.
He was happiest, though, with his wife Jessica Lytle, whom he wed on July 18, 2009, arguably the coldest day of the month. He is also survived by sisters, Teri (Doug) Shiels of Adrian, and Joan Lutovsky of Gregory; mother- and father-in-law, Linda and R.P. Lytle; sister-in-law, Emily (Jason Polk) Hill; one niece, Danielle (Mitchel) Schilling; two nephews, Chris (Rani) Shiels and Brenton (Amber) Shiels; and his puppy, Manager Honey. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held on October 29, 2022, at the UAW Local 1284 at 2795 M-52 in Chelsea, MI, at 3:00 pm with a time for sharing at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center, https://stlouiscenter.org/ or Arbor Hospice https://www.arborhospice.org/.
Click here to watch the memory video of Dick's life
You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a message for Dick's family. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comments.