Richard Rich Walter Weigand, 54

Richard Rich Walter Weigand, 54, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his home near West Glacier. He was born on Jan. 27, 1955, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Francis and Amber (Case) Weigand. Rich received his early education in Buffalo, graduating from high school and then receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in math. He then enlisted in the Coast Guard and worked as a quarter master until receiving his commission and attending officer candidate school. While stationed at District 7 in Miami, Fla., Jill Forsythe caught Rich s eye. The couple met in November of 1984 and married Oct. 19, 1985. Rich attended Naval post graduate school, graduating with his Masters of Communication degree in 1987. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., where their daughter Amanda was born in 1990; to Hawaii, and back to Washington, D.C., where Rich retired in 2000. Rich was an absolute genius when it came to computers and electronics. He built his first computer from the ground up, soldering every circuit and connection and considered it his personal mission to help others with computer issues and problems. Rich was also an amateur Ham radio operator and enjoyed the time he was able to spend visiting with operators all over the world. He was also a member of the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, the Coram/West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department and the Civil Air Patrol. Rich was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jill, of West Glacier; a daughter, Amanda Weigand, of the University of North Dakota; two brothers, Francis Weigand and wife, Stella, of New Jersey, and Arthur Weigand and wife, Lori, of Town of Tonawanda, N.Y.; four sisters, Janice Vogt and husband, Jake, of Jamestown, N.Y.; Judy Weigand of Town of Tonawanda, N.Y., Ann Weigand of Town of Tonawanda, and Carol Weigand of Buffalo. He is also survived by four nieces, two nephews, and one great-niece. Memorial services for Rich will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Matt Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial gifts be given the Coram/West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, West Glacier, MT 59936. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Rich's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Rich's Tribute Wall.