Richard William Role, 65
Richard William "Dick" Role, 65, a longtime Columbia Falls resident, passed away on May 1, 2005, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on Feb. 23, 1940, in Kalispell, to Howard and Ethel Role. He attended school in Canyon View and then graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1959. He was in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963.
He married Jimme Sue Connole in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Aug. 22, 1964.
He worked at Stoltze Land and Lumber and then Plum Creek Manufacturing for 37 years. He retired in April of 2002.
Dick loved all sports and was an avid Washington Redskins fan. He especially loved hunting trips with his sons, Mark and Bill, and his nephew Shawn. He also loved watching his grandchildren in all sports, especially swim team.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Howard; two sisters, Nancy and Rose; and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jimme Sue; daughter, Pam; sons, Bill and Mark and wife, Kim, all of Columbia Falls; seven grandchildren, Taylor, Hunter, Tianna, Kyler, Kortney, Garrett, and Richard James; one sister, Barbara Ann Hennessey of Whitefish; brothers Ron and wife, Lucille, of Columbia Falls, Howard and wife, Denise, and Jack and wife, Vonzel, of Spokane; and many nieces and nephews.
Dick was known for his annual Easter egg hunts. He loved his family and friends, but wouldn't hesitate to help a stranger off the street. He was very social and loved his "get-to-gethers" at the land.
"Dad, we will always have a special place in our hearts for you and we will cherish all the memories. You are gone, but never forgotten."
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, May 6, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls with the Rev. Joe Pat Moran officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.
The family suggests that memorial can be made to the Columbia Falls Fire Department.