Richard Lee Halas

Richard Lee Halas passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2017, in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Rick entered this world as a New Year’s Day baby on January 1, 1960. He spent most of his younger years in Grand Forks, attending Lake Agassiz Elementary School, Valley Junior High, and Grand Forks Central High School from which he graduated in 1978. Rick then attended the University of North Dakota, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and graduated in 1984 with an accounting degree.   In 1987, Rick moved to Minneapolis, where he worked as an accountant for many years doing reconciliation work for small and multinational companies. Rick’s co-workers valued his loyalty, work ethic, and easy-going personality. Rick was always kind, patient, and giving, qualities that made him a treasured son, brother, uncle, and friend. One would be hard pressed to hear anyone say an unkind word about him.   Rick had no children of his own, but did have a nephew and a niece with whom he spent countless hours. In visits to the Kansas City area where Matt and Sydney live and during family visits to Grand Forks, Rick would never tire of playing games with Matt and Syd. From the time they were toddlers, Matt and Syd knew they could always count on Uncle Rick to make any activity a whole lot more fun. As young adults, they always cherished the time they spent hanging out with him.   Rick enjoyed sports, both as a participant and as a fan. In high school, he played football and hockey for the Redskins. (The Knights were known as the Redskins back in his high school days.) He also enjoyed following UND football and hockey, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He had a remarkable knowledge of the Twins’ history from his many years of following the team. Rick also enjoyed spending time at the lake fishing, boating, and relaxing with friends.               Rick is survived by his parents, Edward and Loubelle Halas of Grand Forks; his older brother Steve (Valerie) and their children Matthew and Sydney of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; his younger brother George of Las Vegas; and his Uncle George and Aunt Joan Halas of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Bob Easton of Corpus Christi, Texas. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.               Visitation will be Monday, January 23, 2017, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Amundson Funeral Home and will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 7:00 pm.