Dr. Larsandrew Dolan Award - 2004
Anyone who knows Dick knows how much he loves to sing and it was singing that first brought him to Norwood Crossing. In the 1960s, while The Beatles were taking the USA by storm Dick, as a member of the Normennenes Male Chorus, would occasionally perform at Norwood Crossing where he met Dr. Dolan and John Hanson, Sr. and the rest was destined. In 1969, Dick was invited to join the Finance Committee and in 1971, he was elected to the Board of Directors, serving as its President in 1976-1977 and again as chairman of the Board in 2001-2002. He is currently chairman of the Norwood Life Care Foundation Board.
Both immigrants from Norway , Dick’s parents settled in Chicago . Dick was the third of three children. In the 1940’s, the family moved to Northern Wisconsin . After graduation from the University of Wisconsin at Madison , he joined the U.S. Navy attending Officers Training School in Newport , Rhode Island . He served in the Western Pacific aboard the USS Lexington until his release from active duty with the rank of Lieutenant. Following a successful career with Merrill Lynch, he is now enjoying retirement, family and always, his volunteer commitment to our organization.
In recognition of his 25 years of service on the Board of Directors, and more than four decades of exemplary volunteer service and commitment he was awarded the Dr. Larsandrew Dolan Award. When asked to recall his proudest moment he reflected,
“In 1973, the Board was resolved to build a skilled nursing facility. For four years, we worked together overcoming many challenges and on May 22, 1977 Chicago ’s Mayor Michael Bilandic dedicated the new complex. I was so proud to be part of a group of caring men and women who had shared many disagreements on the project but in the end celebrated the fine results and the best result of all, knowing we could meet the needs of our waiting list of applicants.”
Today, Dick is actively engaged in planning for future generations of older adults and the rejuvenation of the Norwood Crossing campus.