Albert(Buck) C. Dirette

Albert C. "Buck" Dirette, 82, earned his wings on February 15, 2018, after a grueling two year battle with Lung Cancer, surrounded by his family and friends.

Al was born in Detroit on January 28, 1936 to Katherine (VerWiebe) Dirette and Emile Dirette who predeceased him. The first of four sons, he is survived by his brothers Louis Dirette of Detroit and Bruce (Liz) Dirette of West Bloomfield and "Baby Brother" who died during childbirth. His childhood was spent in Southfield and he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953 where he enjoyed all sports, participated in band and choir, and was a member of the Varsity Club. He married Joanne M. Hunt in 1957 and together, they welcomed their only daughter, Holly R. (Oliver) in 1958 who survives them. Two other daughters, Cheryl and Vicki were and died less than a day later, whose company he will keep in Paradise. Al was mentor and constant advisor to many, especially his brother in law, Kenneth R. (Cindy) Hunt and their friendship and support of each other was throughout his life brotherly. He was a selfless, compassionate, loving and diligent caregiver to many, including his in laws, Stan and Dora Hunt of Higgins Lake, when Alzheimer's and Parkinson's took their independence. Then to his dear wife, Joanne, through her eight year battle with Huntington's Disease that took her life in 2008. Al had many jobs in his lifetime, including pinsetter for the bowling alley and a golf caddy at Plum Hollow Golf Course where his lifelong love of golf began. He started his 36 years career at General Motors with a Tool and Die Apprenticeship at their Fort Street, Detroit Plant and retired as a Senior Engineer in charge of Plastics at the General Motors Tech Center in 1992. The couple retired at Higgins Lake where they enjoyed boating, family life, and all the wonderful fishing spots that only he knew with his son in law William H. (Bill) Oliver II and only grandson William H. (Billy) Oliver III. Many hours where spent as crew chief for Bill at Merritt Speedway, where his expertise was helpful. While widowed, Al took every opportunity to be on the area golf courses and was a member at Redwood, Pineview, and was a scratch golfer at any course with the pins in, some days 36 holes. He lived his life with gusto and truly enjoyed his golf buddies and camaraderie of friends and family. In 2015 he met Charlotte Crist and enjoyed carefree and active senior life of dancing, traveling, and friends while members of the Houghton Lake Elks and Eagles. While healthy as a horse in 2016, Al was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer after shoulder pain affected his golf game. He never complained, saying "we deal with the hand we are dealt" and trusted his medical team to provide care to give him more time. Treatments, doctor appointments, and prayers consumed his last years until he began care with Munson Hospice and his awesome nurse, Khristine Stanaway, in December of 2017. He made peace with his fate and the Lord, held onto hope and fought like a prizefighter until his last breath. Al is survived by nephews and nieces Darrin and Brian Hunt, Matthew, Aaron, Christopher, and Emily Dirette, and Cindy Sturgill and special friends Glenn and Melva Stuart of Roscommon.   

Mass of Christian Burial for Albert C. "Buck" Dirette will be conducted at 10:00 am Monday February 19, 2018 from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Rolando Silva officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday February 17, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Sunday February 18, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Sunday. Memorial contributions in memory of Albert are asked to be directed to the family. Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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