Daniel R. (Ron) Richards April 19,1936 - Aug. 17, 2022

SEELEY LAKE - Ron Richards, 86 of Seeley Lake, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at home of natural causes.

The eldest of three children, Ron was born April 19, 1936 in Jefferson Island, Montana, to William and Doris Richards. Ron graduated from Kalispell High School in 1956. While in high school, he participated in gymnastics. He also reached the rank of Star Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

While serving in the National Guard, Ron met and later married Glenna Rae Hanson on Nov. 25, 1955. They were blessed with three children, Michael and twins Jim and Jeff. The family lived in Kalispell and Ron worked as a saw filer in Columbia Falls, Montana.

On Aug. 11, 1962, Ron married Anita Mae Leighton in Ronan, Montana. They were blessed with two children Pamela and Randy and two stepchildren Debbie and Greg Foley.

In 1963, they moved to Seeley Lake where Ron was a saw filer at Gray's Mill. In 1966 Ron and his father started Richards Stud Mill, selling out in 1971. They started a new venture building wooden toys called Richards' Timber Toys and Mining Enterprises.

During the 1970's he was the manager of the Seeley Lake Water District and worked at Pyramid Mountain Lumber Company. In the 1980's he went back to logging with his sons Jim and Jeff. In 1993 Ron and his sons Jeff and Michael formed Richards Logging Inc. and a dream of his became reality with a new concept of an "in woods" chipping operation. Ron retired (kind of) in 2003.

Loving the outdoors, Ron was an avid hunter, fisherman and became proficient at rock hounding all over Montana and surrounding states. He also enjoyed playing pool, bowling, golfing and running his trap line. Ron loved his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss "GG" greatly.

Ron was preceded in death by: his parents William and Doris; his brother Doug; his sons Randy and Jim; wife Anita and special friend Sharon Bowman.

Survivors include: his sister Donna Braun of Portland, Oregon; companion Glenna Rae Casper of Missoula; son Michael (Lynn) of Seeley Lake; son Jeff (Brenda) of Great Falls; daughter Pamela (Mark) of Kalispell; stepchildren Debbie Foley of Brookings, Oregon and Greg (Cindy) Foley of Kalispell; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and his many Seeley Lake friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 27th at the Seeley Lake Community Hall at 10:30 a.m. A reception luncheon and pie palooza will follow the service. Everyone is encouraged to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Seeley Lake Community Foundation, the Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Department or to a charity of your choice. A private graveside service will take place later at Glacier Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana.

Thank you to Garden City Funeral Home. Condolences can be left at Gardencityfh.com