Richard Denison Bibby

Richard was born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 3, 1922 to Rev. John and Virginia (Denison) Bibby, and passed away peacefully on December 20, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.

He was a 1941 Central High School graduate (Detroit, MI), attended maritime school in New London Connecticut, and also attended Maritime Officer School at the Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh.

Richard sailed the Great Lakes prior to World War II and during the war for the U.S. Maritime Administration as a Merchant Marine sailing the high seas. Richard was awarded a prestigious medal for his bravery and service to the citizens of Russia during convoys to Murmansk.

Richard had a long and successful 41 year career with Hanna Mining Company. He had served in many capacities for Hanna, including Fleet Personnel Manager, and retired in 1985 as a Vessel Agent. It was during this career that he transferred to Duluth, MN on August 28, 1956. Also during his career with Hanna Mining, Dick served as Manager of the Cleveland Baseball Team and coached “Bibby Dolls”, a baseball team made up of wives of fellow Hanna employees.

On December 16, 1966 he married Jean Trilling Hoch. They shared the love of the Lake, and spent many hours on the water boating and fishing for 34 for years prior to her passing in 2010.

Dick was an active and longtime member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church, where he served on various committees and as a Deacon.

He was also a lifetime member and 32 degree Mason, Blue Lodge A.F. & A.M, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Duluth, AAD Temple of the Shrine.

Richard was a charter member and very active in several Marine Historical Societies including the Great Lakes, Detroit and Toronto. He was Historian of the Great Lakes Naval Association. He served on the International Shipmaster’s Association, Past Commander of the Duluth Chapter U.S. Power Squadrons, and served as secretary for over 10 years with the Harbor Club. In 1978, Richard was honored by the Twin Port’s maritime community by being named the “Marine Man of the Year.”

Dick remained active and participated in many groups including the Maritime Waterfront Propeller Club, he was Past President of the Duluth-Superior Harbor Club, a beloved member of the Sand Point Yacht Club and, for over 35 years, enjoyed attending ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out) every Friday at noon.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean (June 11, 2010). Survivors include his three children; Richard Bibby, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA, Barbara Smith and Michael Bibby of Jacksonville, FL; one granddaughter, Cielo Simone; two grandsons, Michael and Zack Smith; and one great granddaughter, Olivia Smith, as well as several cherished and extended Hoch family members.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 11:00 am, at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 4430 McCulloch Street, Duluth, MN 55804. Visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. Memorials to Lakeside Presbyterian Church and the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association preferred.