Richard Harrison (Dick)

Richard Harrison R.H. Metier (Dick), passed from among us on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 of Binswanger's syndrome at the Tompkins Health Center at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. Dick was the son of Ardath Richard and Fay (Penny) Metier and was born in Iowa City Iowa on June 15th 1922. He lived as a child in Promise City, Seymour, Garden Grove, and Murray, Iowa. In 1933, the family moved to Spencer where they remained until Dick left home. Dick graduated from Spencer High in Dec. of 1941, attended War Training School at Iowa State, and was sent to build parts for Higgins Boats in Seattle Wash. He enlisted as a Naval Aviation Cadet in Sept. 1942, and received his Wings in April 1944. He served with Squadron VPB102 based on Tinian and Iwo Jima from March - Sept. 1945, flew forty seven combat air patrols, and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Air Medals. He returned to Spencer after the War, and became a partner, managing a small Culligan Dealership in Cherokee, Iowa. In August of 1949, he came to Fort Dodge to manage the Culligan franchise there that had recently been purchased from the city. He married Audrey Kepler of Spencer on October 15, 1950. Together they ...[more]

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three children: Julie (Jon) Danskin, of Woodbury MN, John (Elizabeth), of Fort Dodge, and Nancy Metier Mohni, (Jim) Mohni, of Cedar Rapids. Dick retired as the Culligan Dealer in Fort Dodge after thirty six years; before selling the business to his son, John. Dick was elected many times to serve on the Dealer Advisory Council for Culligan International Co. He joined the First United Methodist Church of Fort Dodge when he moved to town and held many positions of leadership over the years. He served for twenty five years on the Board of Directors of Friendship Haven. He also served on the Board of Trinity Regional Hospital and was a Rotarian. Dick was an avid sailor, golfer, and bicyclist. He built three catamarans of his own design, as well as two canoes. He loved woodworking, spending most of his free time in his shop and left many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. Above and beyond, family was Dick's first most important priority. He was considered by his immediate, and extended, family, and those whose lives he touched as one who personified "Father". Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Bill and Ted. His legacy continues in his seven grandchildren, Erik (Lauren) Danskin, Emma Danskin, Benjamin, Matthew and Meghan Metier, Audrey and Anna Mohni. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie (Bob) Keefe, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 4th at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Fort Dodge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday at First United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday at the Riverside Cemetery, Spencer, IA.