Richard E. 'Dick' King
Our uncle and friend, Richard E. "Dick" King, 85, of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness. Dick was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Whitefish, the third son of Edgar H. King and Margaret M. Taber King.
Dick was raised in the Flathead Valley, Great Falls and the Roseburg, Ore., area. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1942.
Dick hired out on the railroad in 1943. Soon after that he enlisted in the Army, being discharged in 1946. He returned to Whitefish and continued his railroad career, retiring in 1984 with 41 years of service.
Dick enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hiking, camping and fishing, mainly in Glacier National Park. In 1970 Mel Ruder crowned Dick "King of Glacier" for having hiked the entire perimeter of Glacier Park, as well as most developed and undeveloped trails throughout the park. Dick completed that goal in the summer of 1969. Dick spent many summer days enjoying the beauty and serenity of Ole Lake, his favorite fishing hole.
Dick was a lifelong Yankees fan and would take every opportunity to rub it in if the Yanks beat your team. He traveled to many professional games over the years and had enjoyed spring training a few years ago. He also enjoyed NASCAR and WildCat sports.
Dick had many hobbies that he enjoyed over the years, and he had been an avid collector of model trains.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Margaret; brothers, Eddie, Don and Jim; sister, Joan King Drager, niece, Peggy King; great-nephew, Lyle Seward; and sisters-in law, Ruth King, Barbara King and Thelma Blake.
Dick is survived by many loving and caring friends in the Flathead Valley, and best pals, Mike Scott and "Chewy." Also surviving Dick, our favorite uncle, are nieces, Robbie King, Janice Rhodes, Michelle McDowell and Kami Anderson; nephews, Ed, Kelly and Cary King, Bret and Brad Drager, and Scott and Don King. Dick also is survived by numerous great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews.
Dick will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives were touched by his kindness and gentle manner and his quick sense of humor. "Go hike that next mountain Dick; save some fish for us!"
A memorial wake will be held for "Pooh" at 2 p.m., March 21, at "The Office" (the Columbia Bar) in Columbia Falls. Please join us for this special time of sharing memories of Dick. Memorials can be sent to the charity of the donor's choice in Dick's name.