Richard “Rick” Swanson

Minot

Richard “Rick” Swanson, 64, Minot, ND, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Saturday, July 27, 2024, after a short and courageous fight against cancer.

Richard Dean Swanson was born November 19, 1959, the son of Carl and Jeannette (Weflen) Swanson, in Williston. He was raised and educated in Tioga with his two older brothers Bill and Tom.

When Rick met his future wife Kalli, it was the start of a storied love of adoration, friendship and happiness that renewed each day for 43 years. It was a love story for the ages. They were married on December 18, 1982. The couple made their home in Tioga, where their first son, Mason, was born. They eventually moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota, where Rick pursued a degree in Engineering. Their second son, Alecsandr, joined the family while living in Grand Forks.

Rick gave up his college path to resume his career with Hess when he was called back to work for an open position in Newburg, ND. Rick began a long and distinguished career with Hess Corporation in Tioga at the age of 20. Over his 30 years with Hess, he worked in the Tioga, Newburg, Keen, and Minot offices, building a legacy and influencing countless others. Rick retired from Hess in 2016 but stayed engaged in the North Dakota Oil Field as an Independent Consultant for KSI, TrainND at Williston State College, and most recently Neset Consulting. He eventually partnered with CHORD Energy developing an assessment program that incorporated “ride alongs,” to ensure the knowledge and safety of their field employees. He had a lifelong reputation as a tireless worker, trusted expert, and strong partner. In the final years of his life, he took great joy in leveraging his relationships and expertise to build partnerships that empowered others.

Rick’s boys meant the world to him. He was so proud of them through every step of their journey, and even more so at seeing the gentlemen they had become. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, creating cherished memories of camping and hiking trips over the years, and more recently traveling to Wisconsin to spend time with his granddaughters. Rick also shared a deep relationship with his sisters-in-law who adored him and provided loving care to him throughout his brief illness. He was forever grateful to have them and his brother-in-law by his side.

Known for his boundless creativity and generous spirit, Rick enjoyed a variety of interests, including music, art, landscaping and golf. Rick’s generosity, creativity, and faith have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Those blessed to share in his life include his wife, Kalli (Lucy); son, Mason (Mary Thompson), granddaughters Juniper Audrey and Iona Maple, Madison, WI; son, Alec (Kaisha Lynnes) Fargo, ND; brothers, Dr. William (Nancy) Swanson, Hazen, ND, Dr. Tom (Karen) Swanson, Bismarck, ND; mother-in-law, Marilyn Lucy, sisters-in-law, Shanna Lucy, Minot, ND and Taina (Keith) Karow, Stanley, ND; as well as several nieces and nephews. Last but not least, he is survived by his beloved dog and constant companion, Bogie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Service: Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Journey Church, Minot.

Memorials: Contributions meaningful to Rick were St Jude Children’s Hospital and supporting neighborhood children’s lemonade stands. Honor Rick’s generous spirit whenever you support a cause for the betterment of children.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 31, 2024.