Richter inducted into N.D. Water Users Hall of Fame

Charlie Richter of New Rockford represented Eddy County on the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District for 43 years. For his tireless efforts, Richter has been inducted into the North Dakota Water Users Hall of Fame.

Richter, who served from 1969 to 2012, was honored during the 57th annual Joint North Dakota Water Convention and Irrigation Expo. The ceremony was held virtually Dec. 10 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Induction into the Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated an extended commitment to develop, manage and protect North Dakota's water resources.

"Charlie's impact on the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and the interests of the people of Eddy County and North Dakota cannot be overstated," said North Dakota Water Users Association Executive Vice President Lance Gaebe. "The people of North Dakota benefited greatly from Charlie's efforts."

Garrison Diversion (GD)Conservancy District Executive Assistant Lisa Schafer, who had the opportunity to work with Charlie for 22 years, said he is a "true statesman" who is "very highly respected and loved by the board and staff at GD." Even though he retired 8 years ago, he remains tied to the Garrison Diversion Project. In fact, until just recently he was invited to the Carrington office for social gatherings and on board meeting days, where he would often "sneak in the back of the board room" for fellowship.

"Everybody was always happy to see Charlie," Communications Director Kimberly Cook added. 

Schafer noted that many years have passed with a lot of frustration and no construction, and Charlie has always remained vigilant and hopeful.

"Whenever I see him, he always asks what's happening. He was so delighted when I told him we had recently awarded a bid to start construction on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project in 2021, saying he would be there with bells on if he could!"

Richter is the longest-serving director in the history of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. He served two terms as chairman of the board and multiple terms on the executive committee. He also held the vice-chair position for the contract committee and the agriculture committee and was a member of the project planning, public relations, recreation, engineering and operations, and MR&I committees. Garrison Diversion was truly near and dear to Charlie's heart.

Richter and his late wife, Neola, built their life together in New Rockford, growing their family to include seven children and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.