Obituary of Richard James Fournier

Fournier, Rick (Richard James) of Mpls died Jan. 23 in palliative care at the UofM Hospital. Born in Duluth, Aug. 1932, to Marie and Joe Fournier, Rick loved days with buddies exploring the Bay and hills of W. Duluth. A graduate of UMD, Rick taught English, speech and theater at Cambridge, Forest Lake, and Tartan High Schools; he directed many school and community theater plays and also acted at Lakeshore Players and other community theaters. An Air Force veteran, he served as an air traffic controller and radio operator. His 44 years as board member at Theatre in the Round Players earned him a Golden Ticket from TRP; he also served on the boards of Lakeshore Players, and 1st Southeast, a housing effort in SE Mpls. After retirement Rick took up writing and painting; he loved the N. Shore, our rivers, visiting with friends - including the Wed. coffee gang and the Gourmet Dinner Club - as well as concerts and theater and travel, often with in-laws Virginia and Kjeld. Preceded in death by former wife Karen, Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Katie, children Hilary (Kahing), Eric (Kathy), and Jocelyn, also granddaughters Ming-Yee (Drew), May-Ling (Matt), Ginger (Janssen), and Robin (Chris), also many nieces and nephews. Rick bequeathed his body to the UofM's anatomy bequest program. Memorial service later this year. Donations in his memory to Theatre in the Round Players, SE Seniors, City of Lakes Community Land Trust, or donor's choice.