Richard 'Dick' Kling
Richard "Dick" Kling died Saturday, Oct. 24.
"Buffalo Dick" arrived in this world Feb. 14, 1946. He was the only child of Arthur and Adelaide Kling of New York City.
From New York, Dick traveled south to Florida, where he met and married Cheryl (Lily), the mother of his children.
There, they welcomed the arrivals of Amy and Bryan, and then moved on to New Hampshire where Lisa joined the family. In 1976, the family moved west – first to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and then to Bigfork.
Dick owned and operated The Buffalo Trading Co. He was famous for his artistic skill as a leather craftsman, specializing in the use and design of buffalo, elk and deer leather goods. Dick could be found at all the trade fairs selling his leather work, making new friends and embracing old ones.
Dick's love of people, travel and the arts naturally expanded to include his love of music and the great outdoors.
When not at the fairs or working with buffalo hide, he could be found supporting the musicians that made up the live music scene of the Valley, giving the impression that he really could be in two places at once.
It was in Bigfork that Dick discovered his Eden, her waters and forests. And, it was here that, in 1993, he married Caroline Coon.
Dick lived a vibrant life, giving new meaning to "living life to the fullest." He loved to fish. In fact, lived to fish. This was a man who could coax 20-pound trouts from the water using a large, home-made lure. Dick could fish out of a mud puddle and walk away with dinner.
He is survived by his children, Amy and her husband Lewis Sorvillo, Bryan Kling and his wife Michelle Fenger, and Lisa and her husband Joe Kolenda; and grandchildren, Jessica and Brandon Ferguson, Ivy Sorvillo, Alec Fenger and Jade Kolenda.
He was preceded in death by his parents and too many friends to list.
A service will be held Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Swan River Hall at 4:30 p.m. Join us after the memorial for a celebration of Dick's life. Bring a food dish and beverages and jam with the local musicians.