Richard C. Gottier

Gottier, Richard "Dick" C. Age 90, passed away to eternal life peacefully on July 20, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughter, Diane Shaw; son, Richard Gottier; daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Gary Fena and his two "best grandchildren in the whole world," Zachary and Mary. Richard was born on October 12, 1918 to Chalmers and Grace Gottier in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from West High School and received his B.S.C in Industrial Management from the Ohio State University in 1939. He also completed graduate work from Purdue, Indiana, and Northwestern Universities. He received an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. He had a brilliant, entrepreneurial career and was on the cutting edge of computer technology in our country. He once stated: "The worthwhile achievements in life are directly proportionate to the effort expended and contribution made. Each new day offers opportunities to those willing to accept the challenge." From 1941 to 1951 he served as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of investigation, United States Department of Justice. He held Senior Management positions with Radio Corporation of America, Magnavox, and the Control Data Corporation. In the 1980's he founded and was the Chief Executive Officer of one of the first venture capital companies, Minnesota Seed Fund. The Minnesota Seed Fund established over 20 technological based companies in Minnesota and throughout the nation. Dick was an avid golfer and a longtime member at the Wayzata Country Club. He also had memberships at the Minneapolis Club and in Fort Myers, Florida, the Fiddlesticks and Crown Colony Country Clubs. He was a voracious reader, builder of computers and enjoyed watching professional golf, baseball and football. Throughout his life he was active in his church, civic activities, the Ex-FBI Agents Society, the Elks and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. A private memorial service was held, with burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood, MN. Memorials preferred to St. Joseph the Worker Church, 7180 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove, MN. 55369-5597 or donor's choice. The family would like to express appreciation to his wonderful caregivers for the past year. Richard lived his ninety years with grace, integrity and zest. He will be forever missed by those lives he touched. Gearty-Delmore Plymouth 763-553-1411

Published on July 26, 2009