Richard "Dick" LaVoy, age 81, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Richard Daniel LaVoy, lovingly known as Dick, was born May 20, 1937, to Howard and Ruby (Darco) LaVoy in White Earth, MN.  He grew up in Naytahwaush, MN, next to his family's store.  He attended grade school in Naytahwaush and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1955.  Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served from 1955 until 1959.  While on leave, Dick was united in marriage to Audrey "Babe" LaFriniere on May 18, 1957.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Naytahwaush and together, Dick and Babe, worked with his parents at Pinehurst Resort.  In 1969, they officially acquired the business and continued to expand the opportunities.  This was a labor of love the entire family shared.  Truly a family business, they all poured their hearts into building the little resort into the wonderful community it is today.  Although Dick never officially retired, they passed the ownership of the resort to their son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Julie, in 2000.  Dick continued to be a friendly face around the resort, always pitching in to help wherever needed.  Babe passed away in 2015 and Dick continued to live on the lake where they made their home for over 50 years.  In celebration of 100 years of Pinehurst's family ownership and operation, Dick was honored when a proclamation was signed by Governor Dayton naming September 15, 2018, as "Richard "Dick" and Audrey "Babe" LaVoy Day" in the State of Minnesota.  Three days later, Dick passed away peacefully on September 18, 2018, at the age of 81, at his home.

From a young age, Dick loved sports and the outdoors.  As a youngster, he was involved in football, basketball, and track.  He was an avid supporter of his sons and grandchildren in all their sporting events, both local and collegiate levels…Go Bison!  Dick also loved to hunt and spent much of his spare time hunting deer and ducks always a special time spent with family.  Undoubtably, hunting excursions with his brother, Don, would end up with a story to tell about getting stuck somewhere in the woods.  Dick shared stories, laughs, and much knowledge with the younger generation of the family.  Family was so very important to Dick and he was blessed to have so much family nearby.  He appreciated the time he was able to spend with his children and his grandchildren in his daily life.  Dick was very involved in the Naytahwaush Community, Twin Lakes Township Board, and the Mahnomen School Board.  He proudly served as a deputy sheriff of Mahnomen County for several years, the President of the Pinehurst Association, and was instrumental in the development of the Naytahwaush Fire Department.  Dick was also  one of the founders  of the Nightriders Snowmobile Club and active with  the Rod and Gun Club.  Just for fun, Dick loved to drive his skid steer and enjoyed moving snow off the lakes for ice fishing events.  Living his entire life in the area, he was a great historian and knew almost everyone in the community.  Dick was truly a pillar of the Naytahwaush and Pinehurst community. He loved to help people and was proud of the legacy they built, both in his family and his community.

Dick is survived by his sons: Richard (Denise) of Gilbert, AZ, Thomas (Nancy) of Scottsdale, AZ, Timothy (Anita), Gregory (Julie), both of Naytahwaush, and Bruce of Perham; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Don (Ellis) of Bemidji, MN; two sisters, Sharon (Mike) Stevens of Eagan, MN and Linda (Richard) Mueller of Elk River, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Babe, and two grandchildren, Vincent and Lesley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will take place at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Naytahwaush, MN, Sunday, September 23, 2018, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m.