Richard Sibley

Richard “Dick” Truman Sibley, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2008 surrounded by his family at MeritCare Palliative Care South University in Fargo, ND. Richard was born June 5, 1916, at Diesem, ND to Roy C. and Martha (Hennings) Sibley. He moved with his family from Diesem to Medberry, Eckelson and Marian, ND, where he attended primary and secondary school, graduating in 1934. After learning the Morse code, Dick established “Rights” on January 19, 1937 and he went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as a relief agent at several towns in North Dakota including Elliot, where he met his future wife, Marian Dick. They were married on August 23, 1941, in Fargo. The following year they moved to Cooperstown where they worked and lived until 1947. From there Dick worked for the NPRR in LaMoure, ND for 22 years, moving to Moorhead, MN in December, 1968 where he continued to work for the NP and Burlington Northern until his retirement in June, 1983. Dick was the last agent in the Dilworth depot that now is located in the Dilworth City Park. Dick was a boy scout and later a scout master in Marion, Cooperstown and LaMoure for 25 years. He devoted many years with boys at Camp Wilderness, planting trees. He served as an assistant Scoutmaster to the National Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA, and was the recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He also served as president of the LaMoure Community Club, was chairman of the Teen-Canteen board, president of both Zoar Lutheran Church and the Lions Club as well as Past Master of the Mackey Lodge, all in LaMoure. In Fargo-Moorhead, he was a past President, Treasurer, and Lieutenant Governor of the Red River Senior Optimist Club in the Dakota, Manitoba and Minnesota Districts, was a member of the Red River Rails Club, and a member of the Mobil Nobles of El Zagal Shrine. He was named one of Metropolitan Federal Bank’s “Admired Senior Citizen.” He delivered food for the local food pantry, wrapped Christmas gifts with the Optimist Club at West Acres Mall, and established a retired railroad worker’s Wednesday morning breakfast club at Mom’s Kitchen with his good friend and fellow railroader, Bob Jones. Richard’s hobbies included: Monday night Pinochle, daily “swimming” at the YMCA, fishing with in-laws and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan. Richard had a loving family and is survived by his devoted wife, Marian, by his three children, Richard (Bonnie), Judith Sinclair, and Steven (Carol), five grandchildren, Micheal Sinclair, Jason, Benjamin (Aurore), Brooke (Kyle Parrish) and Stephanie (Lucas Levendowski), and three great-grandchildren, Molly, Jacob and Orion. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Sherman. The Sibley family is very grateful for the exceptional care Richard received from MeritCare on Broadway and MeritCare Palliative Care South University. They especially want to thank Dr. Neville Alberto and social worker, Suzanne, at MeritCare on Broadway for their kindness and caring. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 14th Street South, Moorhead, MN. Visitation/Masonic Ceremony: Monday, March 17th at 5PM-7PM, followed by the Masonic ceremony at 7PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, 215 South 7th Street, Fargo. Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 18th at 10:30AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. Burial: Dick Cemetery, Englevale, ND.