Obituary of Richard N. Fry

Richard N. Fry, 71, of Duluth, died April 15, 2017 in Solvay Hospice House after a day filled with family and friends. Rick was born May 6, 1945 to Bert and Violet (Brooks) Fry. He was a 1963 graduate of Central High School and attended UMD for a short time. He married Jacqueline Barhan Oct. 10, 1980. Rick spent his younger years employed at Clyde Iron, owner of Rick's Automotive, employed at the Power House, Toyota of Duluth and Kolar. After completing a scratch build of his log home on Pequaywan Lake, he started his own excavating company. He was a state licensed septic installer, designer, inspector and mentor. Establishing an open and honest relationship with his community came easy. He was honored to serve as Pequaywan Township Supervisor for 30 years. He was a past member of the Pequaywan Volunteer Fire Department, where he served at one time as fire chief. His greatest joy was volunteering as a diver at Great Lakes Aquarium. Rick had a drive to learn. He was a machinist, master mechanic, computer builder and programmer, scuba regulator technician and scuba diver. His life was a complex and fulfilling journey with all of the ultimate achievements relying on a persistent desire to help family, friends, neighbors and community. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; son, Nicholas; grandchildren, Raegan and Dylan; brothers, Wendell and Charles; and nieces and nephews. VISITATION: 2 p.m. until the 3 p.m. Celebration of Life, Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Great Lakes Aquarium.