Richard Sterling "Rick" Gwynn, 68, died peacefully at his home in White Bear Lake on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, after a long and valiant battle with liver disease.

Born in Minot, ND, on March 11, 1952, Rick was the beloved son of Joy and Ric Gwynn, and the brother of Kay Johnson, (Milt), Pat Dufrene, (Irvin), and David Gwynn, (Michelle) as well as nieces, nephews and close family friends.

Rick had a long and illustrious career at the VFW Post 1782 in White Bear Lake.  He loved doing  service to veterans and was dedicated to the VFW.

He was generous with this time and talents, serving as the  Commander of VFW Post 1782 from 2016-2018.

Rick loved animals, fishing, making wine, and seeing joy on the faces of military kids when he played Santa Claus at their Christmas parties.   Two of his most prized possessions were the fish he caught and had stuffed and mounted, a 27 pound Northern he caught in Canada, and a Bull Red fish he caught in Louisiana with his friend, Lloyd.  If you were in his living room, you were directed to look above his fireplace while he told you all about them.

Rick's love of dogs was immense and it was rare that he didn't have at least one dog and sometimes more, he had more than enough love for all of them.  Cats on other hand….he said he really didn't "like", but ultimately a sweet little guy he named Tux, stole his heart, and changed his mind about felines.

Rick was most in his element playing Santa to military kids, a tradition that started while he was in the Navy and stationed in Japan. It continued even after he was a civilian and he played Santa to military kids here.  He never charged anyone for his services as the Man in Red.  It might have been his favorite "gig".

He was a leader and organizer, an animal lover, storyteller, fisherman, complete with lies and stories, wine maker, but he was most proud of being a military veteran.

From Rick served as commander of VFW Post 1782 White Bear Lake, State of Minnesota from 2016 to 2018. He was currently Senior Vice Commander of the 4 ^th District VFW. During Rick's tenure as Commander he developed and planned a Monument Honoring our Veterans and War Dead in White Bear Lakes Veterans park on the shores of White Bear Lake. In addition to the monument he researched and arranged for a brick pathway, with bricks honoring, by name, Veterans of all Branches.

Rick researched and acquired from the US Army, M1 rifles to be used exclusively for Veterans funerals, in addition enough ammunition to honor Veterans far into the future.

Each Christmas Rick would play Santa for the National Guard and Army reserve units at their annual Christmas parties. Family days at these Army units would find Rick cooking hundreds of hamburgers, and enjoying every minute of it.

Rick was very active with the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" hamburgers nights at the VFW post 1782 for many years. Coordinated the "National Association of Metal of Honor" Recipients winter fishing trip, 15 Metal of Honor recipients attended and had a successful event.

Coordinated a "Fishing for Life" fishing contest held at the VFW Post 1782 for veterans and their children.

Rick also served as a rifle squad member of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Honor Guard.

***It was Rick's wish that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations, in his name, to the VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Avenue South, White Bear Lake, MN  55110.

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