Richard Dean Monsey

1960 - 2008

Richard Dean Monsey, 47, passed away from cancer on Monday, May 12, 2008, at Denali Center.
Rick was born Oct. 1, 1960, at St. Joseph Hospital to Patti and Frank Monsey. He attended schools in Fairbanks and graduated from Lathrop High School in 1977.
After high school he went into the auto business, first with his dad, Don Runnion, at Runnions Sales & Service, then at Gene’s Chrysler where he spent the rest of his working career. At the time of his death he was at Gene’s new Hyundai dealership.
Rick married Laurie Neubauer and they had two sons, Richard “Ricky” Dean Monsey II and Joseph “Joey” Edward Monsey, who were the most important people in his life. He and Laurie were later divorced.
He enjoyed being a mechanic so much that he took on the responsibility of passing on his knowledge by teaching a class at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for four years. He had won many awards and certificates for his exceptional skill and knowledge.
Four years ago, Ricky met his companion Laurie Seavey in Maine and she moved to Fairbanks to be with him. They were very happy together.
Rick had a zest for life. He loved snowmachining, fishing, going to Valdez with his friend Joe and going to Arctic Man with his longtime friend Matt. He was a member of the North Pole Moose Lodge for years and a member of the Fairbanks Elks Lodge.
Rick had many friends which became very evident by the many visitors Ricky had during his stay in the hospital and Denali Center.
Rick was preceded in death by his dad, Don Runnion.
He leaves behind his sons, Richard Monsey and Joseph Monsey, both of Fairbanks; mother, Patti Runnion of Fairbanks; father, Frank Monsey of Fairbanks; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Toni Monsey of Vermont and Ronald and Kimberly Runnion of Fairbanks; sister and brother-in-law, Dianna and Tom Secrest of Ketchikan; aunts and uncles, Jo and Dennis Small of Fairbanks, Janie and George Vaughn of Washington, Jackie and Tom Scott of Ketchikan and Nancy and Rick Hoffman of Sitka; cousin, Mike and Linda Small of Fairbanks; nieces, Kristy Runnion of Fairbanks and Shea Monsey of Vermont; nephews, Chris Runnion of Fairbanks, Don Runnion of Fairbanks, Chad Secrest of Ketchikan, Raymond and Brenda Secrest of Pennsylvania, Boyd Runnion of Ketchikan and Colin Monsey of Vermont; and lifelong friends, Karl, Tim, Rick, Dave and Kenneth Thumma and Karen and Mike Dullen; many friends; and his companion, Laurie Seavey.
There will be a celebration of his life from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at the Boatel.
His cremains will be scattered at his brother’s place at Summit this summer.
Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.