H. Richard Lavik

H. Richard Lavik, the son of Howard P. and Norma (Fahrnkopf) Lavik was born on March 17, 1946 in Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 75 years on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his home in Minot, North Dakota under the care of his family and hospice. Richard was born and raised in Rugby and graduated from Rugby High School in 1964. He attended Minot State University where he received his double major in mathematics and business education in 1968 and furthered his education earning his master's degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff in 1973. On February 8, 1975, he was united in marriage to Joy Johnson in Warren, Minnesota after they had met while teaching at Mandaree. They were blessed with two children, Gillian and Andrew. Over his 33 year career in public education, he was Superintendent of Schools in Flaxton (six years), Mandaree (two years), Walhalla (10 years), Drayton (six years) and Rugby (nine years). He presided over 30 commencement ceremonies and after returning home to Rugby Schools as Superintendent, he retired in 2001. After retirement, he was a part-time principal of Little Flower Elementary School in Rugby and later a part-time superintendent for the Willow City School. At times during his career, he also taught mathematics and business education classes. Richard received his Realtor and Broker License and worked for Brokers 12 and Watne Realty and also Broker Price Opinions, loan closings and insurance inspections. Richard and Joy moved to Minot in 2016. Richard enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, but his greatest joy was the lake and all it involved. He loved sailing, boating, swimming and standing in the water working on a project on the dock. He was always extremely interested in the history of every place he lived or visited. He was a man who was always prepared and was patient, kind, generous with a fantastic sense of humor. Richard was always so proud of his family and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joy; daughter, Gillian Lavik (Tore Knudsen); son, Andrew (Kristen) Lavik; grandchildren, Silas, Finn and Gunnar Knudsen and Kaydence Lavik, all of Minot; his mother, Norma Lavik of Minot; brothers, Tom (Bonnie) Lavik of Blaine, Minnesota and Tim Lavik of Minot; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Anderson Funeral Home