Richard Christie Obituary Christie Richard E. Christie, age 86, of Excelsior, passed away May 18, 2005. Preceded in death by parents and one brother. Dick was born in Trumbull, Connecticut and at the age of 16 he enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then enrolled in a work-study program with General Electric and received a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the age of 21. Dick's first project at General Electric was working on a team that was responsible for the design of ignition systems used on high altitude planes during World War II. He then supervised the production of U.S. Air Force ignition systems by 5 subcontractors for the balance of the war. After the war Dick worked at several plants for General Electric, with responsibility for dishwashers, disposals, and kitchen cabinets, including the planning and implementation of a $20 million manufacturing plant. Dick's next responsibility at GE was the Hotpoint line of washers and dryers. While there he led a team of 150 engineers that reduced service issues by 92% and launched the first gas dryer. Dick finished his tenure at GE by assuming responsibility for the fledgling TV broadcast business. During that assignment his team developed and introduced the first live color studio camera and captured a 35% market share. By the time Dick left GE this division operated 3 plants employing over 2000 people. After a distinguished 30 year career at General Electric Dick left to take a position with Apache Corp as VP of the Industrial Products Division. He spent 12 years with Apache dramatically growing the sales and profits for an assortment of 17 manufacturing subsidiaries which were then divested when Apache chose to pursue its primary mission of Oil and Gas exploration, at which point Dick retired from Apache Corp. Dick also served as a Director on the Board of Emerald Isle Corporation, a consumer Electronics Company based in Ireland as well as on several other company Boards. It was at one of these companies, National Beauty, Inc. that he met his wife Barbara and they were married in 1980. Dick was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He had a tremendous intellect and could be forceful when necessary but he also had a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile that was enjoyed and appreciated by those who knew him. Survived by wife, Barbara; daughter, Karen Christie; grandson, Richard (Maria) Clark, granddaughter, Kari (Craig) Clark Coleman; Great-grandchildren, Erick and Camilla Clark; step children Gloria (John) Hassett and Baylis (Valerie) Brown; step grandchildren Mike Hicks and Allan Brown; and step great-grandchildren Derek and Tyler Hicks and many friends. Memorial service Saturday May 21, 11:00 a.m. at Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata. Memorials preferred to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, 2575 University Ave West, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55114.