Richard Mast

Mast, Richard (Dick) was born in 1934 and after 90 extraordinary years passed away peacefully in his Florida home on March 11th. Dick leaves behind Bev, his wife of 36 years and partner in life for so many more, daughter Sara (George Cook), Son Rich (Sara), Stepdaughter Molli (Logel) and grandchildren Gabby, Olivia and Sophia.

Dick grew up in the small town of Knox, Indiana during the 1940's and 50's. From the very beginning one of his great loves was sports, in particular basketball. He would shoot baskets for hours at a time. His ability to play basketball enabled him to receive a scholarship to Northwestern University, where he was captain of the basketball team and received All-Big-Ten honors.

Dick graduated from Northwestern in 1957 with a degree in education and after a brief stint in Chicago working for Texaco and Scott Paper, he relocated to Minneapolis and began a successful career in the wholesale paper business. In 1966 he purchased Wilcox Paper Company, a small family-owned company. In an era where most of the paper companies had multi-city/state locations, Dick took this small company and turned it into a multi-million dollar company and one of the leading independent wholesale paper companies in the US. In 1987 Dick purchased Field Paper Company, another small independent paper company with offices in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. In recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit, during his tenure as owner and president he was asked to serve on many advisory boards for various national paper manufacturers.

Dick and Bev spent many happy years living in their Wayzata, Minnesota home on Lake Minnetonka. Dick loved the water and spent hours boating and enjoying the lake. In 1998 he and Bev became snowbirds in Bonita Springs, Florida, Dick still working, but spending more and more time each year in his beloved Florida. In 2005 Dick sold both Wilcox Paper Company and Field Paper Company to long-time employees and began his Florida retirement in earnest.

He loved living in Florida, sharing their home with visiting family and friends, playing golf, tennis and just sitting and relaxing on the lanai while enjoying the beautiful weather. He was so appreciative of the many new and lasting friendships he made during his life in Florida.

Dick was a force of nature, a very special man, and a huge part of so many lives. There was a soft side to Dick that he didn't share with many. A kind heart within his tough persona. Few people knew of his assistance to friends, family, employees, and random people he met throughout his life. He loved to help the underdog and those trying to make a better life for themselves.

He loved his family and was so proud of each and every one of them. Dick and Bev lived a life that few get to experience. Spending great times with friends and family, traveling all over the world, and wanting nothing more than to share each day together. They were the perfect team and thanked God each day that they had found each other. A true blessing.

Although he suffered numerous physical challenges the last 10 years of his life, Dick always seemed to prevail, earning him the nickname "The Energizer Bunny". His battery finally wore out, but he will be remembered and missed by so many.

A Celebration of Eternal Life will be held on June 13, 11:00 at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd E., Wayzata, MN. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service and a luncheon reception following the service. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.