Richard J. 'Dick' LeDuc, 76

Richard J. "Dick" LeDuc, 76, loving husband of Vergie LeDuc of Kalispell, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Nov. 11, 2004.

Dick was born in Lakota, N.D., on Feb. 10, 1928, to Leo and Nelva (Howser) LeDuc. He received his primary education at St. Mary's Academy in Devils Lake, N.D., and secondary education at O'Dea High School in Seattle.

Dick served in the U.S. Army with the Japanese Occupational Forces and was honorably discharged in 1949.

Shortly thereafter, he moved to Kalispell with his family where he worked various jobs until he gained permanent employment with the Great Northern and Burlington railroads where he worked until his retirement in 1982.

Dick married Vergie (Houser) Ellsworth in 1972. They had no children, however. Dick earned the respect and love of Vergie's children and grandchildren, who will miss him.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman around the Kalispell area. His favorite stomping ground was the North Fork area where he spent many happy days fishing and hunting.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Kenneth "Buck" LeDuc.

He is survived by his wife; brother, Robert LeDuc of Kalispell; sisters, Donnabelle Jones of McMinnville, Ore., and Patricia Weed of Whitefish.

Visitation will be held from noon until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home with funeral services held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Risen Christ Catholic Church.

The family suggests memorial contributions made to Hospice Home Options, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.