North Dakota State University's vice president for business and finance died Saturday, two days after retiring.
Dick Rayl, 65, of Fargo died at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minn., according to a death notice received from Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.
Rayl worked for four presidents during his 13 years at NDSU and had said the years since President Joseph Chapman arrived in 1999 were the most challenging and rewarding.
"I was totally shocked when I heard it (Rayl's death)," Chapman said. "It's amazing to have someone die that you just talked to two days ago."
Chapman said Rayl was excited about his retirement.
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"He was going to travel. He was also quite anxious to working with the school (on various projects)."
Under Chapman, Rayl managed the university's research portfolio as it rose to more than $100 million.
"He was just a positive influence on the campus," Chapman said. "He was looking with energy and enthusiasm towards his future."
Keith Bjerke, NDSU vice president for university relations, said Rayl's enthusiasm for retirement was visually obvious. "He had a perpetual smile on his face. He was looking forward to his retirement and all of a sudden it's over."
Rayl also was instrumental in arranging financing and partnerships for building projects such as NDSU Downtown, the Wellness Center, the NDSU Research and Technology Park and the Living Learning Center.
NDSU spokesman David Wahlberg said he was shocked and saddened by Rayl's death.
"Dick Rayl was both an outstanding public servant and a good friend," Wahlberg said.
Rayl was an expert in public finance of higher education and actively involved in guiding NDSU through a period of remarkable growth, he added.
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Rayl was "a fine gentleman," said Pam Kostelecky of Dickinson, N.D., who serves on the Board of Higher Education.
"It's a true loss to not only the school, but the system and the community," she said.
Before coming to NDSU, Rayl served as director of the state Office of Management and Budget under Gov. George Sinner from 1984 to 1991. He worked in the private sector before that.
His wife, Jean, is a former Fargo city commissioner.
"He was a remarkable man - many say that about people - he really truly was a remarkable man," Chapman said.
The cause of death is unknown.
Readers can reach Forum reporters Teri Finneman at (701) 241-5560 and Brett Gilbertson at (701) 241-5509
