Richard 'Dick' Birch Loraas, 84

Richard “Dick” Birch Loraas, 84, “left this Earth” on April 2, 2014, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born June 15, 1929, in Harlem, Mont., to Helmer and Sadie Loraas.

Dick moved to Kalispell in 1942. He worked the family farm. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1947. Dick joined the Navy in 1948, and attended aircraft mechanical school in Memphis, Tenn. He decided not to be an aviator and was discharged in 1950.  

Dick married Valora M. Landon in 1951. They had six children in the 50 years they were together.  

Dick joined the Air Force in 1951, and attended Air Force Mechanical School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He was sent to Japan and served as a B-29 mechanic. He was discharged and returned home in 1953. Dick joined the National Guard in 1956. He attended Track and Wheel School in Fort Sill, Okla. in 1959. He attended Jump School in Fort Benning, Ga. in 1963, and became a member of the elite Special Forces.  

Dick bought 160 acres above Lake Blaine in 1956. He logged and milled his land. Dick lost his son in 1968, and the family moved to town. In 1969, Dick got a full time position with the National Guard. He retired in 1989, after 20 years of service with the Army.

Dick and Val spent several years being snowbirds. In 1993, Dick built a home for them. They ran their business selling yard critters.

Dick lost Val in 2005, and his daughter Kathy in 2011.  

He spent his last years with his loyal dog, Gizmo. There wasn't anything Dick couldn't do. He was a carpenter and built several homes in the valley. He loved fishing, camping and jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. Dick's smile and humor will be truly missed.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Ricky B. Loraas; and daughter, Kathy S. Moore.

He has left behind four of his children, Sue, Brian, Lorie and Tammy; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Come celebrate Dick's life with us at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the North Valley Eagles in Columbia Falls. There will be a luncheon and military honors to follow services. For more information, call Sue at 871-3179.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dick's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Dick's tribute wall.