Richard "Dick" L. Sullivan

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Richard L. "Dick" Sullivan who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, "Dick" was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with "Dick" knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      "Dick" was born on January 9, 1943 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. His parents were William (Bill) and Leona Sullivan. "Dick" was raised in Pleasant Dale, Nebraska. Even as a youngster, "Dick" learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, "Dick" was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. "Dick" was raised with one sibling. He had one younger brother Danny. "Dick" had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For "Dick", this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      "Dick"'s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, "Dick" enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked hunting and fishing. "Dick"'s memorable achievements included.

      In school, "Dick" was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, "Dick" was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. "Dick"’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from University High School in Got his GED 1963. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      "Dick" was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When "Dick" was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to "Dick" came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Tom Kapke, Roger Allen. Later in life, he became friends with John Vallis, Bill Shandrea, Elzie, Jim Helter, Gary Nobbman, Sam Harrel, Murray Johnson,.

      An objective and conscientious individual, "Dick" reveled in the security of his family. On December 21, 1962 "Dick" exchanged wedding vows with Hally Irene Macoy at the East Lincoln Christian Church of Lincoln,Nebraska. One of "Dick"’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      "Dick" was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. "Dick" would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. "Dick" was blessed with Two children, one daughter Karyn and one son Michael. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Craig, Ellie, Derek and Matthew.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, "Dick" was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, "Dick" was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, "Dick" upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Electrician. He was employed for he was employed by Qubecor printing company for many years. "Dick" was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      "Dick" was an Navy (Seabees) veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Seabees (Mobile Construction Battalion) deployed to Greece, Sicily, Cuba and Vietnam. "Dick" saw action for Vietnam Building a military base in DaNang. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Eo3. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with Marine Combat Device), National Defense Service Medal.

      "Dick" approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Hunting and Fishing. "Dick" was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Being generous with his time and energy, "Dick" liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, "Dick" was a member of the. In college, "Dick" joined the. Throughout his later years, "Dick" was an active member of the Pleasant Dale American Legion.

      Faith was important to "Dick". He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of the Pleasant Dale United Methodist and St Paul United Methodist Church for many years.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, "Dick" used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. "Dick" had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Long Pine Nebraska, Wyoming and Disney World.

      "Dick" was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of "Dick"’s favorites was Sally a mixed breed and Daisy a golden lab. They were best friends for Sally when he was young and Daisy for 14 years.

      When "Dick"’s retirement finally arrived in 2003 when he had his stroke, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In many ways, "Dick" loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      "Dick" passed away on July 11, 2014 at Homestead Nursing Home. Dick has a massive stoke September 23, 2003 which left him paralyzed on the left side. He spent 8 years at Gramercy Assisted Living. July of 2014 he developed pneumonia and decided not to treat it as his lungs were in poor condition. He is survived by wife Hally, Daughter Karyn, Son Mike, his grandchildren Craig, Derek, Ellie and Matt and great granddaughter Fae. Services were held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. "Dick" was laid to rest in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska.

      All who knew him would agree that "Dick" was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Richard L. "Dick" Sullivan did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.