As written by his mom, Charlotte

Richard and his twin brother, Royce, were born in Polson on September 24, 1950. Richard was born first but he was the smaller of the two. He always said he was the big brother because he was born 20 minutes before his brother. They were so much fun growing up. We lived in a neighborhood where there were quite a few kids and they would all come over to our house and play badminton and skate down a nearby hill.

Richard played football in high school and loved to hunt and fish. He met the love of his life, Jackie, during his senior year. He joined the navy right after graduation. He was stationed in San Diego. On his first leave, he came home and he and Jackie were married. They moved to San Francisco where he was assigned to the USS Ranger. He was sent overseas and was gone for a year and Jackie stayed and worked in San Francisco. After his discharge, they moved back to Polson. That was one of the happiest days of my life.

On the day Richard was killed, he had gone fishing with Jackie's brother. They were driving home about three thirty in the afternoon when they were hit head on by a drunk driver. This man had been seen drinking all day in different bars in Polson. The accident occurred on Highway 35, seven miles east of Polson on the east shore. Jackie's brother was okay, just a few bumps [thank God]. The drunk driver was sent to jail for two weeks. That was his fourth DUI and he should have been sent to prison. That man still lives here in Polson and was married to my sister at the time of Richard's death. After thirty four years he still hasn't told me he is sorry. My sister passed away five years ago and was still married to him.

Richard and Jackie had one son; Paul was fifteen months old so he never knew his dad. He lives in Missoula and is a great guy. Richard was a wonderful, kind, hard working, and good hearted man. First and foremost, he loved his wife and son. He was a great dad. He was very good to me too; he helped me with the cooking and housework when I was at work.

I will always miss my beautiful son. Love you my darling boy: Mom.

September 24, 1950 -

November 17, 1975