Dale Wayne Rivard, 70

Dale Wayne Rivard (age 70) passed away on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center Fargo from complications from a stroke.

He was born on August 27, 1953, in Baudette, Minnesota, to Earl and Myrt Rivard. He grew up spending a lot of time on the hockey rink and football field. His lifelong love for fishing and hunting was evident. He spent countless hours on Lake of the Woods as a fishing guide and endless hours building the perfect deer stands, passing the love for water, fishing, hunting, and nature down to his kids and grandkids and always saving his best deer stands for them.

Dale was most proud of his family, his skills as a handyman, and his perfectly groomed yard. He is remembered most for being organized, a very hard worker, and a great storyteller. These traits served him well as a volunteer and district director for the Minnesota Jaycees, a volunteer organization that serves charitable groups in the community. He was also well respected as a chief boiler for defense contractors such as Control Data and Seagate for most of his career.

He is preceded in death by his father, Earl Rivard, his mother, Myrt Rivard, and his younger brother, Robert Rivard. He is survived by his best friends, his three dogs, Abby, Buddy, and Ripples; wife, Janet Bear-Rivard; children, Donna Dawursk (Glen) and Jeff Rivard; stepsons, Lucas Bear (Kelly) and Dan Bear; grandchildren, Benjamin Krause, Alexis Rivard, Ashlyn Rivard, Ava Rivard, and Matthew Dawursk; siblings, Carol Birkeland, Marlyss Hernandez, William Rivard (Phyllis), Ron Rivard (Joey); sister-in-law, Rhonda Rivard; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by family and friends. A celebration of life will be held in the Baudette area this summer, where his ashes will be laid to rest.