Dick Bollinger — President Emeritus of Bollinger Shipyards-- died at home surrounded by his loving family.
Richard N. Bollinger died at home on January 17, 2012 of natural causes. He was President of Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. from his graduation from LSU in mechanical engineering in 1950 until his retirement in 2003, and remained President Emeritus and Director Emeritus of the company until his death. During his time with Bollinger, he performed almost every job in the shipyard, including lofting, welding, designing and marine engineering. He saw the shipyard grow from 20 employees in Lockport to a group of ten shipyards in two states with over 2,000 employees. In recent years, Dick was the ambassador of Bollinger to customers in the oilfield markets and in the military field, adopting Coast Guard crews of cutters as they came through our yard.
Dick was born in 1926. At seventeen, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served in Marine Aviation, dodging Japanese bullets in the Pacific Theater. Following the war, Dick returned to LSU, from which he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. He raised five children with Bunny, his late wife of almost fifty years. He devoted his time to his community as Town Engineer and Alderman of Lockport for two terms and participated in local civic organizations such as the Lockport Lions Club. He continued his civic contributions as a longtime member of the Lafourche Water District No. 1, and was a lifelong member of Holy Savior parish.
Dick Bollinger was a major factor in Bollinger’s success over the past 65 years, and his work ethic, sense of fair play and commitment to customers became a part of the company’s DNA. He will be sorely missed.
Bollinger was one of the patriarchs and the dearest member of the Bollinger family. According to the Bollinger family, Dick fought the good fight and truly lived until he died. The family asks that you keep Dick and all the Bollingers in your prayers. Dick—the President Emeritus of Bollinger Shipyards-- died at home surrounded by his loving family. His children--Aimee, Bobbie, Claire and Julie—want all to know that he passed away peacefully and did not suffer. They thank you all for your concern, best wishes and prayers during his lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.