Richard Earl Branick, 76, of Huntsville, passed away on Thursday. Dick was born and raised in Fargo, ND. After serving two years in the US Army, Dick attended NDSU, where he majored in math. His first career was in general aviation and in 1972 he taught Katherine Kuklish to fly. Dick and Kathy were married in 1973 and his career took them to Montgomery, AL and later to Davenport, IA. In the early-1980’s Dick returned to college, earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa. In 1985 he became a test engineer for Garrett Turbine Engines in Phoenix, AZ.
Their daughter Karen was born in 1988. 1993 saw a move to Huntsville and employment with NASA contractors. Dick retired in 2013, and in his leisure time he enjoyed woodworking and travel. Dick was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy; daughter, Karen Branick; son-in-law, Terry White; sister, Nancy Goodrich; and nieces, Betsy Baxter and Kathryn Hirsch.
A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Monday, October 26, at 2 p.m. Due to current health concerns, there will be no visitation prior to the service. Masks and social distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Hospice Family Care, or Alabama Public Television.
