Roy Henry Rider

Roy Henry Rider, born April 1, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away on July 27th, 2026 at the age of 93. After a long and full life marked by devotion to family, service to country, and an unwavering commitment to hard work, learning, and the outdoors.

Raised in Lansing, Roy graduated from Lansing Everett High School, proudly a Viking, before attending Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelors degree in Education and History in 1955. Later continuing graduate studies beyond his Masters Degree. During his years at MSU, Roy served four years in the ROTC and six years in the U.S. Naval Reserve, a role he cherished deeply.

Roy was the son of Roy A. Rider and Mildred L. Rider, and brother to Gerald Rider.

While at MSU, Roy met the love of his life, Betty Jean Wygaard. They courted for a year, became engaged, and married on June 25, 1955, beginning a partnership that would span 71 years and build a remarkable life together.

Roy and Betty welcomed three daughters, Deborah (Dan) Chad, Pamela Rider, and Cynthia (Scott Densmore) Rider. He was a proud grandfather to Christopher (Vivien) Stentzel, Michael Stentzel, Elizabeth (Chris) Baldwin, Joshua (Holly) Chad, Alarik Brethauer, Olivia Brethauer, and Kaleigh Rider; and a great-grandfather to Holly Teall, Nathaniel Epperson, and Conner Baldwin.

A Life of Teaching, Building, and Enterprise

After graduating from MSU, Roy and Betty began their careers as teachers in Vermontville, Michigan. He soon went on to Concord School district where he was hired as the principal, Roy was the youngest principal in the state at that time. Roy later became an inaugural teacher at Parkside High School. He also taught at Jackson High School, where he loved teaching US History, Government and Building Trades, a subject that would shape the next chapter of his life. Roy also created and authored a set of overhead materials, used for teaching government and history. These materials were published and used in schools throughout the United States for many years.

Determined to learn the home-building business, Roy apprenticed under a veteran builder from Concord. After building two homes with his mentor, Roy founded the Roy H. Rider Home Builder and Design Company, constructing numerous homes throughout Jackson and ultimately the family’s own home in 1966 on Brookside Boulevard, a home Roy himself designed, built and bricked with skill he learned during his college summers working for a bricklaying company in Lansing. Also where Betty & Roy raised their three daughters.

Roy and Betty also owned and operated KOA Kampgrounds in Jackson and Ypsilanti, and together they built Rider Enterprises, a successful multi-business venture they nurtured for more than 50 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit continues to live on through their daughters and grandchildren.

An Athlete, Outdoorsman, and Storyteller

Roy’s athleticism and love of competition were lifelong. He played American Legion Baseball in Lansing, was a competitive cyclist, marathon runner, archer, swimmer, biathlon & triathlon. He proudly competed as a US Senior Olympian, in which he won multiple Gold Medals in archery and bicycle racing. Roy was an avid canoeist, bird lover, hiker, and protector of the outdoors. Roy rode in more than 20 Delmac Bicycle rides from Lansing to Mackinac Bridge. He was also a gifted storyteller. Roy loved sharing memories of: Delivering newspapers and riding his bike all over Lansing. Pitching for his high school baseball team - once throwing both games of a double-header.

Practicing pitching in his bedroom, throwing from the corner into a pillow in the closet. Summers spent mixing mortar and laying bricks. Marching twice in the same parade because both his ROTC and Naval Reserve commanders wanted him there. His stories were vivid, funny, and full of heart, each one a window into a life lived with purpose and enthusiasm. Roy also volunteered his time with local Optimist Club in Jackson, the Dahlem Environmental Educational Center and Griswold Elementary school.

Legacy

Roy Rider lived a life built on integrity, patriotism, craftsmanship, and love. He was a teacher, builder, veteran, entrepreneur, athlete, and storyteller, but above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

His legacy stands not only in the homes he built and the businesses he created along with his wife, but in the values he passed down: work hard, love deeply, serve proudly, and always protect the world around you. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private inurnment service will be held at:

South Jackson Community Church, August 22, 2026