Gary Richter

Gary Paul Richter was born in Fergus Falls, MN on May 8, 1943 to Herbert and Eunice Richter. He passed April 12, 2023 just shy of his 80th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Carol Fox Richter; his son Shawn (Wanda) Richter of Whitby, Ontario; daughter Melissa of Sarnia, Ontario; son Dallas of Toronto, Ontario; sister Judy Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN; sister Janet Ruud of Fargo, ND; six grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gale Richter, and sister, Julane Richter Carter

Gary graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1961 and joined the Navy doing basic training in San Diego, California.  He served eight years active duty with tours in Vietnam where he was part of HC-7 a search and request unit. He spent 22 years in the Navy Reserves specializing in helicopter maintenance.  Gary served in the Redwolves Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Four. He retired from the Navy as a LTCDR on May 10, 2003.  He loved “HIS” Navy.

In his civilian career he served as Director of Repair and Maintenance for Golfe Helicopters located in Sept Iles, Quebec, Director of Repair and Overhaul for Aerospatiale (now American Eurocopter) and Vice President of Operations for Premier Aviation, both located in Grand Prairie, TX. Gary was the technical liaison for American Eurocopter’s delivery of helicopters to the US Coast Guard giving technical assistance and training.

Gary had a love for aviation, gardening, horses, wood working, his Ford Mustangs and at one time, golf.  He taught or facilitated an adult Sunday School class for over 30 years. He was a member of Aldersgate UMC in Arlington, TX and Sardis UMC in Midlothian, TX and served the churches in numerous positions. Gary served on the MidWay Regional Airport & Joint Airport Board from 2009 to 2014.

Gary passed away in his home.  We will forever hold in our hearts the caregivers that helped us in his transition to peace.