Richard Franklin Dworsky

1942 - 2018

Richard Franklin Dworsky of Steamboat and Anchorage, Alaska, died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 5, 2018, while returning from a pheasant hunting trip. Dick was born in Lebanon, Mo, on Aug. 13, 1942. He attended Lincoln High in Portland, Ore., and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1965 with a degree in forestry. He played football for Michigan and maintained a deep affection for the Wolverines throughout his life. Dick received his master's degree in natural resources from CSU in 1972, and a Ph.D. in forestry from the University of Massachusetts in 1986. He met his wife Sally while living in Waitsfield, Vt., directing projects for the New England River Basin Commission, and skiing at Mad River Glen. Richard worked in Alaska for 30 years with the S. Central Water Comm., BLM and as state science advisor for the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Richard was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1966-1970, with the 3-26 as Rifle Platoon and Company Commander and a reserve officer (Captain) from 1970 to 1977. A decorated combat hero, Richard was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, a Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Medal and three purple hearts. His actions with India Company on Hill 881S during the siege of Khe Sanh earned him the Bronze Star. He maintained important and consistent friendships with his brothers in arms through his entire life, and wrote a January 2008 Anchorage Daily News article, "Home is Where You Dig It."
Richard was a deeply involved member of the community. He was a member of Anchorage East Rotary and the Michigan Alumni Association. He also spent weekends volunteering at Alpenglow, teaching skiing to veterans and individuals with special needs. Dick was an excellent friend, a skier, avid hunter, expert marksman, adventurous traveler and very accomplished fly fisherman.
Richard is survived by his beloved children, Karenth and Joshua; as well as his wife, Sara.
Richard will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
There will be a celebration of life in Anchorage on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at 2 p.m., at The First Congregational Church, 2610 Northern Lights Boulevard. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Khe Sanh Veterans Scholarship Fund – send a check to: Tom Eichler, KSV Scholarship Fund, 3221 N. Opal Ave., Chicago, IL 60634-3042.