Rick's 14-month battle with terminal brain cancer ended September 30 when he died peacefully and painlessly among family at The Pillars of Mankato that had become his home for the last weeks of his life. Rick faced his relentless physical decline with courage and abundant humor, keeping a positive attitude while with every passing day it seemed the cancer took yet another piece of him. Rick was born in Denver, Colorado on November 9, 1955 and moved to Mankato in 1968, starting in 7th grade at Wilson Campus School. He thrived at Wilson, compiling a stellar record of academic success as well as making lifelong friends and participating in many sports and activities. Among his honors was a National Merit Letter of Commendation, as well as being chosen to represent Wilson at Boy's State. Following his high school graduation in 1974 - with Rick speaking at the ceremony - he completed his BA in Psychology at MSU before entering a School Psychology program at the U of M, leading to a job as a School Psychologist in Richfield, a position he held for 13 years. In 1995, he enrolled at the University of Iowa in pursuit of a Ph.D. in School Psychology, and in the process of earning his degree was named the outstanding graduate student in his field in the state of Iowa. Rick joined the faculty of MSU in 2000 in the Counseling and Student Personnel Department, starting as an assistant professor, then going on to earn a full professorship. His many professional accomplishments at MSU include serving as chief editor for the national Journal of School Counseling for two years, chairman of the CSP department and writing a textbook intended to help school counselors navigate their students' mental health challenges. He also wrote numerous articles for various publications and presented at many conferences. He retired from MSU in 2021 and found that he missed teaching, so began a full time job at South Dakota State University and taught there until his brain tumor left him unable to do so. He was devoted to his twin boys, Jamie and Alex, who meant everything to him. Rick was an outstanding father whose own needs and wants always came second to those of his boys. He also loved his friends and siblings, taking long daily walks with his loyal dogs - first Max and then Spencer - reading, practicing yoga, riding his bike, watching the NBA and NFL (in that order), and enjoying the peace and solitude of his sunroom "sanctuary." Rick lived most all of his adult life in Mankato and loved his neighbors and the larger community. He was a tireless, dedicated worker who will be remembered for his caring and compassionate nature, his selflessness and kind spirit, his sense of humor, and his willingness to do everything he could to help those around him. Rick was preceded in death by his father, John Auger. He is survived by his mother Martha Auger, his sister Carol, his brother Dave, his sons Jamie and Alex, nieces, nephews, countless friends, colleagues, and former students. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, October 12 at 1:30 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Centenary. Additionally, we have set up a Counseling and Student Personnel memorial fund through Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation. Gifts can be made to Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation, 126 Alumni Foundation Center, Mankato, MN 56001. Reference Rick Auger Memorial. The family wishes to thank the incredible staff and residents at The Pillars of Mankato. He couldn't have been in better hands and we are eternally grateful.