Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Dick passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at his home in North Branch. Born to Everett and Flavia (Ryden) Alvin in February 1922, Dick had just celebrated his 85th birthday.

During his youth, Dick worked for his father's lumber business, Alvin & Co. He graduated from North Branch High School in 1940 and attended the University of Minnesota. In October of 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps Photographic Division and invented a device for aerial cameras. Dick flew on countless missions over Japan, providing mapping of the entire country.

After World War II, Dick bought the Plaza Hotel in North Branch and married Phyllis (Noren) in 1947. He made his life career joining the North Branch Post Office where he worked as a rural mail carrier until 1979. He was a life-long loyal citizen of North Branch, serving as mayor of Branch and city clerk. Dick was a 61-year member of both the North Branch Legion Post #85 and the Masonic Lodge.

Dick is survived by his wife Phyllis and his four children: Candace and Larry Anderson, Jill and Michael Moen, Thomas and Shelley Alvin and Jon Alvin. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Andrea Moen, Ryan Moen, Jennifer (Ari) Zainuddin, Jonathan (Christine) Alvin, Peter (Connie) Alvin and Zachary Alvin.

Dick's life is a story of strength and grace. He taught himself to do so many things well; he was an accomplished craftsman in carpentry and woodworking, an experienced pilot, a man as well-read as a scholar, and an outdoorsman treasuring his camping and fishing trips to Canada. He taught independence by example and security through love. Being a private family man, there will be no public funeral.

Memorials should be directed to the North Branch Alumni Association or a church or charity of choice.

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