By Janna Chin
Richard Joe Lorentzen, born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and raised in Lake Park, Minnesota, died on Sept. 23, 2023 at the age of 82. He was particularly happy to celebrate one final birthday at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he received top notch end-of-life care.
Richard always possessed a strong sense of adventure and fun. He grew up in a farming family and joined the Air Force to see the world after graduating from Lake Park High School. During his years working as a mechanic in the Air Force, he was stationed in Alaska, where he received commendation for his work in extremely cold weather to keep the planes operating. He fell in love with Alaska and headed back in the 1960s to begin a career as a commercial fisherman. He settled in Cordova and eventually persuaded his brothers, Dave and John, to follow him there.
He married in 1966 and had one daughter, Janna, before divorcing in 1972. Richard spent his life fishing on his boat, the Nordic Traveler, over the summers and traveling the world over the winters. Of his winter travels, he particularly loved Tasmania, Australia, and rural northwest Iceland, where he forged some strong friendships. He was always excited to return to Prince William Sound, where he had many wonderful friends.
He spent his retirement years in Seattle, in the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood. He wasn’t into possessions and never owned a credit card, preferring cash payment and a simple life. Richard moved to Minneapolis, after suffering a stroke, to be able to watch his two granddaughters, Lulu and Phoebe, grow up. He was particularly fond of them and would be proud to see them following their passions. Lulu is currently in Montreal, pursuing studies for a medical career and Phoebe is in high school and working hard to cement her place as an amazing rower.
Richard was cremated and had a military send off at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, his final resting place.
