Dr. Richard R. Monson, MD, ScD

Richard Redding Monson, 88, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Eventide on 8th in Moorhead, MN, under the care of Ethos Hospice. 

Richard was born on September 30, 1936, in Moorhead, the son of Dr. Harvey and Loraine Redding Monson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1954 as the salutatorian of his class. He then attended NDSU in Fargo, ND, graduating in 1958 with a BS in chemistry. He was then named a Fulbright Scholar and studied nuclear chemistry for a year in Mainz, Germany. Upon his return he enrolled at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, and obtained his MD in 1963.

Dr. Monson embarked on his medical internship at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. It was there he met Patricia Spillios, RN. The wedding bells rang on June 3, 1964! Richard and Pat enjoyed the next 55 years of marriage together. Their daughter Cybel was born in 1969. Pat died in 2019, and Cybel died in 2013.

Uncle Sam called in 1965. With the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army, Richard and Pat served the next two years at an Army base in Germany. Upon his discharge, they moved to Boston, where Richard enrolled in the Harvard School of Public Health. In 1969, he received his Doctorate Degree in the field of Epidemiology.

Dr. Monson was named Professor of Epidemiology at the HSPH, in 1970. It was here that he thrived for the next 38 years. His research work often focused on the risks of exposure to radiation and workplace chemicals. He served on many national and international groups and committees, too numerous to mention. Richard was the author of two textbooks related to Occupational Epidemiology and he wrote more than 160 publications in epidemiology. Richard was an esteemed Professor and colleague at the HSPH and was named Professor Emeritus in 2008.

In 1970, Richard and Pat purchased an early 20th Century home in Brookline, MA, which included a carriage house. It was here that they lived for the next 51 years. They loved antiques and often had spaces in Antique Malls to sell their collections. Richard was known as the “sweater” guy at the HSPH. Each day was a surprise – mono and multi-colored! Richard was a kind, quiet mannered man. His words were chosen, he had his own strut, he shined! Richard moved to Moorhead in September of 2023 to be closer to his brother, Robert and Gail.

Richard is survived by his brother, Robert (Gail) Monson of Fargo; sisters-in-law, Helen Monson of Long Prairie, MN, and Heidi (Bob) Hatchell of Edina, MN; nieces; a nephew; and cousins. He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia (2019); daughter, Cybel (2013); parents; brother, John (2024); mother-in-law, Shirley; and cousins.

Per Richard’s wishes, there will be no services. His and Pat’s ashes will be buried next to Cybel’s in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, at a later date. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com