Jack Rickard, 75

On Nov. 18, 2007, Jack Rickard, 75, "returned to our Father."

Jack has endured several illnesses over the past seven years, and has embraced life's challenges with the same wit and sense of humor that has carried with him his entire life. Jack was renowned for his artwork and strong wisdom of life. He always had a piece of advice for getting through the tough times.

Jack was born on May 26, 1932, in Big Springs, Neb., to Charlie and Bernice (Van Norman) Rickard. The family moved to Swan River in 1937. He was a graduate of Bigfork High School in 1951. Jack married Mary Ann Torgerson in August of 1952. He served in the U.S. Army in Verdun, France as a photographer. After separating from the Army, Jack returned to Missoula, MT. In 1963 he moved his family to the Bigfork area. In 1976 Jack and Mary Ann separated.

Jack lived and worked around the Flathead the rest of his life. He worked at Glacier Park, Bigfork Sewer Plant, the Forest Service, and as a cook.

Jack married Linda Nelson on Nov. 12, 1988, and they made their home in Kalispell.

Jack enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife, gardening and rock hounding.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one son, Glen Grob; and two daughters, Laureen Rickard and Tina Clark.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Rickard of Kalispell; sons, Arthur and Norman Rickard; and daughter, Michelle Rickard, all of Seattle; daughter, Cindy Rickard and partner, Frank Sleight, of Plains; daughter, Lindy Rutledge and husband, Steve, and their two children, Jordan and Michael, of Kalispell; son, Kirk Grob; and grandson, Justin, of Kalispell; daughter, Shelly Hrubik of Kalispell; two granddaughters, Laureen and husband, Jay Hiland, and Maureen Rickard, all of Kalispell; four great-grandchildren, Ciara, Brady, Shelby and Jackie; two brothers, Harry Rickard and wife, Yvonne, of Bozeman, and Robert "Bob" Rickard and wife, Ellen, of Kalispell; and several nephews, nieces and several dear friends.

Memorial services for Jack will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Clint Theline of the Faith Baptist Church officiating. Urn burial will be at 1 p.m. in the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jack's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Jack's guest book.