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Richard Navin Obituary
Rick graduated from the University of New Hampshire, served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and in 1968, encouraged by Steve Drapeau, he headed to Alaska on a motorcycle. He was an Alaskan from there on out.
He worked on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, surveyed for Tom Rosadiuk and eventually settled in Land Management at the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
He was particularly honored to serve as Mayor Juanita Helm's second in command and continued his public service as Director of Direct Services for Mayor Jim Sampson.
Rick loved to play golf, including numerous trips to Anchorage for the "Yo Mama" tournament with the late Frank Fleeks, John Conover and still-kicking Mort Henry. He also toured other state courses with friends Bob Eley and Layne St. John.
As many will remember, Rick had a special love of the sea and sailing. His sailboat, Terpsichore, was the source of great pride and amazing parties for a marvelous collection of Fairbanks friends. Rick was also known for his love of the English language, his appreciation for a "well turned phrase" and his lively humor.
Those gifts and his gentle warmth resulted in his being asked to perform a number of marriage ceremonies in Fairbanks and again in Florida. He was first and always a gentleman-courteous, caring and loyal.
Rick is survived by Bonnie, his beloved wife of 43 years; adoring daughter Julie McKenna Swigon; sons Randy (Doone) and Rusty; grandchildren Spencer and McKenna Swigon and Maija Navin; son-in-law Chris; sister-in-law Cathy McCorquodale; and brother Jack and his wife Carol.
Among the many friends who enriched Rick's life, his family is forever grateful to Layne and Janice St. John for all their love and support.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Navin
Phyllis Tate
March 1, 2022
Rick was truly a gentleman. I met him and Steve when they first came up the highway to Fairbanks. I was a single mother on my way to Fairbanks with my 5-year old daughter. I was driving home from California and had been sleeping in the car on the way up. We met while having dinner at the Buffalo Lodge in Big Delta. They asked where I was staying and I told them in my car. They insisted I sleep in their room at the lodge. I was pretty leary of the idea, but after talking to them for awhile longer, they seemed sincere. As it turned out they were total gentlemen, and even slept on the floor so my daughter & I could sleep in the bed.
When they got to Fairbanks and started looking for a job, they contacted me. I was working at Interior Airways at the time and got one or both of them jobs there in the freight dept. (I don't remember now.) From time to time over the years, Rick's name would come up at a party, in the newspaper, or somewhere and I was happy to hear he was doing well. I never met any of his family, but from just that chance meeting, I know Rick was a intelligent, thoughtful and caring man. I'm sure you, his family, all miss him very much and am so sorry to hear he has passed. His one act of kindness made a lifelong impression on me and spoke volumes about the kind of person he was. I thought you might like to know there are people you don't even know who remember him with very kind thoughts.
Guy Sattley
February 18, 2022
Good travels, Rick. Thanks for everything.
Judi Slajer
February 8, 2022
Bonnie
It is with great sadness that I read of Rick's passing. I had always wanted to catch up with you both at Christmas but lost track of a good address. Tom Rosadiuk and I both loved him. Tom held him in very high regard for all those years they worked together in Tom's Engerineering business. I worked with and for Rick at the Borough for many years. It was such a pleasure; he was a great friend as well as a great boss.
We are still sort of in Alaska but stretched between outside Ketchikan and La Conner WA. Covid and cancer has held us here for quite some time now.
With warmest regards, Judi
indy + Charlie Gallagher
February 8, 2022
So many good times Rick! Our memories can't even count 'em. Big I, Boat Baseball, the sailboat, fighting about the road service. Always always always good times and memories. And your were always the gent!
Our very best to Bonnie and the whole family!
Frank
February 7, 2022
Many memories my friend. Thank-you .
Elizabeth Cook
February 7, 2022
Rick was a man whose wry sense of humor never deserted him. His courtesy, even to fools, was remarkable. He lives large in memory. My sympathies are with Bonnie and Rick's family. Elizabeth Cook, Fairbanks
Janet Matheson
February 7, 2022
My sympathies to Bonnie & Rick's family in this time of loss. Rick was an exceptional person to know - kind, courteous, with a wonderful wry sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Janet Matheson, Fairbanks
Marilyn Rodriguez
February 6, 2022
Oh Bonnie, I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. He had such a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around.
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