COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The stories were flowing and it was standing room only Thursday morning during the Branch County Board of Commissioners work session as members of the Branch County legal community remembered and honored J.Richard Colbeck, who died this past Monday at the age of 80.
Colbeck was a licensed attorney for over 50 years. He also served as Branch County Prosecuting Attorney in the 1970’s.
After a moment of silence was observed, Commission Chair Ted Gordon said he knew Colbeck for almost 40 years.
Attorney Ralph Stevens said he learned a lot of good things from Colbeck.
District Court Judge Brent Weigle said Colbeck had a heart for people and treated them with compassion, adding that his word was his bond.
Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady said Colbeck worked hard, noting that he was at the courthouse the first thing in the morning.
Also offering their thoughts were current Prosecutor Val White, Magistrate David Coyle, and former Prosecutors Kirk Kashian and Terri Norris
A celebration of J.Richard Colbeck’s life will be hosted by Branch County Community Theatre at the Tibbits Opera House this Saturday afternoon starting at 4:00 p.m.. Anyone and everyone is invited.
