Richard Picard

Richard Joseph Picard 74, went to our Heavenly Father on Nov. 3, 2012, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Dec. 15, 1937, to Joseph and Elise Duval Picard in Bottineau, N.D., the third of 10 siblings.

He graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Willow City, N.D., in 1955. He received his certificate in electrical and refrigeration from the College of Southern Idaho in 1983.

He spent five years in the Army with three years in Korea. He became a Korean interpreter.

He worked as a mechanic, blacksmith and appliance serviceman before working for 30 years at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant in Columbia Falls.

He met and married Sheila Rae Sweeney in 1969. They then moved to Whitefish, where she resides.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. 

He is survived by his wife Sheila; daughter Karen Rowan and husband Berry and three grandchildren Tory, Jacob and Savanna Rowan, of Tulsa, Okla., and grandchildren Vanessa and Tyler Wentink, of Leavenworth, Wash.; son Scott Picard, of Los Angeles; siblings Donald and wife Walda, of California, Irene, of Minnesota, Charles and wife Virginia, of Wisconsin, Russell and wife Janis, of North Dakota, James and wife Carol, of North Dakota, Thomas and wife Jean, of North Dakota, Dale and wife Kathy, of of Colorado, and Kathy and husband Ron, of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at Columbia Mortuary on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, from 4 to 7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7 p. m.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at 10 a.m. with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.