Richard Arthur LeQuia Richard Arthur LeQuia, 83, of Englewood, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, following a courageous four-year battle with different cancers. His family is comforted knowing that he is no longer in pain and is now in his heavenly home with Jesus. 

Richard was born to Marie and Thomas LeQuia and was the youngest of their four children. He grew up in Negaunee, Michigan, with his siblings, Joan Barker, Thomas LeQuia, and Gerald LeQuia, all of whom preceded him in death. 

Richard met the love of his life, Sonja LeQuia, at a high school dance. That meeting began a beautiful love story that lasted 64 years of marriage. Together, Richard and Sonja built a life filled with love, family, faith, laughter, and adventure. 

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Sonja; their three children, Bryan (Terri), Lisa (Anthony), and Steven (Kristi); seven grandchildren, Brittney, Tyler, Alysia, Karley, Lindsey, Grant, and Melanie; and four precious great-grandchildren. 

Richard retired from SpartanNash after several years of dedicated service. In retirement, he and Sonja enjoyed traveling and exploring the world together. Among their most treasured adventures were cruising through the South Pacific and around Australia, creating cherished memories they shared throughout their years together.

 A man of many talents, Richard could build, repair, garden, cook, bake, and entertain. He was always ready to tackle a home repair project, work in his gardens, create something special in the kitchen, or bring people together for a delicious meal and fun times together. Richard was also talented at cutting and styling hair, and his wife, Sonja, was often the lucky recipient of his talents. Richard was a great teacher who generously shared his knowledge and talents with his family. He completed many home projects alongside his two sons and daughter, passing along not only his skills, but also the patience, knowledge, pride, and strong work ethic that came with doing things well. His children learned from watching him that hard work, dedication, and taking pride in what you do are important values in life. These talents, traditions, and values will continue to live on through his family. 

Richard’s family will cherish the memories of the pool parties held in their backyard, where all of his children and grandchildren learned to swim. These gatherings brought family and friends together and created memories that will be treasured for generations. Family and friends will especially remember his delicious homemade pasties, raspberry rolls, and pies, lovingly made and enjoyed by generations. Richard was always ready for a game of cards with family and friends, and his good-natured reminders about the rules often added a little extra laughter to the game. 

Richard’s Catholic faith was an important part of his life. While living in Grand Rapids, Michigan he and Sonja were parishioners of Holy Name of Jesus and St. John Vianney. During retirement in Englewood, Florida, Richard and Sonja continued their faith journey as parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes. 

Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, talented craftsman, wonderful cook and baker, gracious host, and a man who treasured his family, his faith, and the many adventures he shared with those he loved. 

Although the past four years brought many difficult challenges, Richard faced his battle with courage, supported by the unwavering love and support of his wife, Sonja. He often said that she was the best wife and nurse that he could have ever had. His legacy of love, faith, family, laughter, hard work, and cherished memories will live on through Sonja, his children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives he touched. 

The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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