Richard Granner Ries, 100, MD an OB-GYN in Jackson, Mich. for 36 years died Oct 9, 2017. He was born the eldest of identical twins in Alden, Iowa on Nov. 15, 1916. He earned his medical degree at Wayne State University. He completed his internship at Detroit’s Grace Hospital in June 1943. Enlisting in the Navy during med school, he was called to active duty upon graduation. He was transferred to the 9th Marines, 3rd Division at Guadalcanal as a lieutenant and assistant regimental surgeon. He participated in the campaigns at Guam and Iwo Jima earning a Bronze Star citation.

Returning to the U.S. in 1945, he married Helen Grace Strong, the head of pediatrics at Grace Hospital. Upon his military discharge in 1946, and completion of his residency at Grace Hospital in 1949, he and Helen Grace moved to Jackson, Mich.

Dr. Ries was a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American College of Obstetrics &Gynecology and at various times he was Chairman of Obstetric at both W. A. Foote Memorial and Mercy Hospitals, Treasurer of the County Medical Society and Chief of Staff at Foote Memorial.

He loved the outdoors, was an avid big game hunter, fisherman, birder and photographer. He was a member of Squaw Creek Hunt Club in the UP, and oldest member of the Polk County (N.C.) Gun Club. He had earned his colors fox hunting at the Waterloo Hunt. Beaver Island was his summer residence since 1972 with milder winters spent in Tryon, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Helen Grace, and his brother, Dr. Robert C. Ries of Roger City. He leaves behind a daughter Kirsten, son Granner, grandchildren Emily and Aaron, and two great grandchildren.

If friends wish, memorial contributions may be made to: the Little

Traverse Conservancy 3264 Powell Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, or to the BI Rural Health Center, 37304 Kings Hwy, Beaver Island, MI 49782.

A memorial service will be held on Beaver Island.

Submitted by Kris Ries