Richard Alf Colin

Richard Alf Colin, age 87, of Duluth, MN died May 29, 2025, at St. Mary's Medical Center following surgery related to a fall at home the day before. He had multiple health issues over the past seven years, and fifty years of type 1 diabetes.

Dick was born to Serena (Espland) and Alf Colin on August 16, 1937. Dick was raised in Duluth and spent many youthful summers on Burntside Lake in Ely, MN. He graduated from Denfeld High School and received education degrees from both UMD and UWS. In 1963 he married Shirley Jean Gracek and they were blessed with 61 years of marriage.

Dick was a dedicated educator who began his career as a sixth grade teacher and went on to become an elementary principal in the Duluth school system. He served in several elementary schools in Duluth, and in both local and state education roles. He completed the Principal Fellowship Program and received the MESPA Distinguished Service Award.

Dick was an avid sportsman, completely enjoying a good deer hunt, fishing or round of golf. He both enjoyed and respected the beauty of nature. He always cherished being a father, grandfather, and loving husband. Retirement years brought the joy of travel and many winters in Gulf Shores, AL.

In later years he enjoyed the daily beauty of Lake Superior in their lake shore home and retirement community.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Henry Olson.

Dick is survived by his wife Shirley Jean, daughters Annette (Chris) Loiselle, Jennifer (Greg) Jones, and SueAnne Mattson. Grandchildren Chris Jr, Kaleigh, Logan, Kendal and Nick. Great grandson Zeke, a special cousin Betty Wahlberg, and other extended family including nieces Dawn and Jill and nephew Christopher.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m., and luncheon to follow. Private family Internment.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St., Duluth MN 55805, 218–727–3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.

Any memorials may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 E 4th St., Duluth MN, 55812 or the Union Gospel Mission, 219 E 1st St. Duluth, MN, 55802.