Richard Lee Bristol

Funeral Service: https://vimeo.com/event/4822819

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MB5DSCPJSW7CYSXP

Richard Lee Bristol, 84, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, while in Sanford Hospital. Even though family and friends are deeply saddened about his unexpected death, they are comforted knowing he did not suffer.

Richard (Dick) was born November 1, 1940, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Howard and Ethel Bristol. The family moved to Fargo, ND, where he attended elementary school but then graduated high school from Moorhead Campus School in 1959. He continued his education at Jamestown College until the business world suited his goals when he began working at the family business, Bristol Distributing, at age 19. Without a doubt, Dick's integrity, hard work, passion, and motivation propelled him higher in the company from shipping and receiving, to sales, and finally president. In his tenure with Bristol Distributing from 1961-1986, Dick received many national awards from companies, such as Motorola and Quasar earning him trips to Japan due to his outstanding sales achievements. After leaving Bristol Distributing, Dick began his own successful company D.J. Distributing. He was known as the roadrunner because he traveled to nearly every town from Walker, MN, to Williston, ND. He was still running his business until his death.

As Dick began his new business, he married the love of his life, Judy Hagemeister Bye, thus indicated in the title of the business: "D" for Dick and "J" for Judy. For almost 36 years, they journeyed through many adventures together enjoying tropical vacations (he loved reading in the sun), acquiring new product lines at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, trips to Montana, a trip to Alaska, family gatherings, and enjoying their favorite TV shows.

With a legal pad in hand and wearing his game-day attire, Dick watched and kept stats for his favorite teams: Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, NDSU Bison football, and the Golden State Warriors. If a sporting event wasn't on TV, Dick enjoyed reading and watching Westerns. His granddaughters, Chloe and Lana, meant the world to him. There were endless rounds of hide-and-seek and tea parties. Being a great grandpa to Truen was a new title that brought even more joy to his life.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; brother, Don (Lois) Bristol; sister, Carol Bristol; (stepdaughter) Dawn (Lee) Gunderson; (stepson) Matt (Andrea) Bye; granddaughters, Chloe (Nick) Nelson and Lana (Noah) Robinson; great grandson, Truen Nelson. Preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ethel Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors, DAV, American Red Cross, Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.