Richard Silvola

Richard "Rikku" Silvola of Two Harbors died February 5th 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. Born to long-time State Representative and DFL Vice-Chair Richard Silvola and Silvia (Torma) Silvola, in Grand Rapids MN on November 20, 1937, he graduated high school in Virginia.
Rikku's early years were spent exploring the lakes and rivers of Northern MN with family and friends-once running the St. Louis River from Virginia to Cloquet at 11, and later making many trips to deliver goods to the cabin of the "Root Beer Lady" (Dorothy Molter) by canoe and skis.
After high school, Rikku attended the University of MN School of Architecture until 1959.
His first design project out of college were a physician's home in South Dakota, and the unique "Round House" outside of Virginia- a building featured in Twin Cities newspapers for its unique design. He also designed several other homes in the Duluth area, ending his career with a home on Lake Superior in Castle Danger.
Between these projects Rikku worked as Regional Vice-Director of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, representing the area while working in Duluth and Chicago, and working on projects with Mayor Daley of Chicago and 8th District Rep. John Blatnik. He operated a furniture building business in the former Clover Valley High School which he also turned into his family home.
Rikku's humor, intelligence, and unfailing optimism will be missed by all who knew him. He was a self-proclaimed Socialist and Freethinker, read voraciously, and argued politics with anyone he encountered, with constant companion- Toivo Two-Feathers (his hand-carved walking stick) always at hand.
Rikku is survived by his sister Shirley (Ken) Olson of Minneapolis, his sons Erik (Linda) of Elk River MN and Dain (Andrea) of Florence OR, grandchildren Caroline, Isabelle, and Alexandra, and nephew Barry (Cindra) Olson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife, Janice, and special friend Charlotte Tidball,.
A memorial service is planned for summer.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth,(218)727-3555.