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Richard Dechert Obituary

Passed June 21st, 2012 after a courageous battle against cancer. He was preceded by mother, Gertrude Kennedy Burritt; father, Harlan Dechert; & sister Barbara Burritt. Survived by sister, Judith Burritt; daughter, Sabrina Baissas and grandson, Luc Baissas. He attended Wayne State University (BS) & the University of Minnesota (MS), served in the US Air Force 1952-56, at Ramey AF Base in Puerto Rico. He was employed many happy years at Twin Cities Public Television; was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, WAMM, and Citizens for Global Solutions; enjoyed theater, symphony, jazz, nature, hiking, social and environmental causes, research and writing. By neighbors, he was known as "Mr. Richard", by family, "The energizer bunny" due to his unbelievable energy & independence and as the "walking encyclopedia" due to his amazing memory for details. He would appreciate donations made to www.globalsolutions.org in place of a memorial service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Jun. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Dechert

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5 Entries

Cheryl James

June 29, 2012

For my dear friend Lee, who was a shining light in so many lives. Thank you for the memories!

June 29, 2012

Sabrina, Marco, and Judith,

I will miss Lee very much. He was a truly unique and wonderful man. I know he received a great deal of joy from all of you.

Margaret

June 26, 2012

Sabrina, we are so sorry about your dad. We enjoyed the times we had with him at our farm and especially Nerstrand State Park. You are in our thoughts.
Ken and Bonnie

Steve & Linda Smit

June 26, 2012

From friends who have never met Mr. Richard, but have been praying for him ever since our daughter Tristen told us about his illness.

Dan, Tris and Steve Niemczyk

June 26, 2012

So much love is going out to all the friends and family of Mr. Richard. He left us a legacy of learning that we will always be grateful for. This man squeezed every drop of knowledge and enjoyment from the experiences life gave him. We could all take a page from his book. Love you and miss you, Mr. Richard

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