Richard Rotha Banna, 79

Richard Rotha Banna, 79, died at his home in Kalispell on June 6, 2014, from complications of bone cancer.

He was affectionately known to his family and friends as "Dick," "Top Banana" or "Montana Banana."

 Dick was born on May 15, 1935, in Karnak, N.D., the son of Joseph and Emma (Stephenson) Banna, and he was reared in that area until his mother died; after his mother's death, Dick was moved to Minot, N.D., and was reared by his aunt and uncle, Helen and Thorvald Greslivold.

Dick graduated from Minot Senior High School in 1953 and then enlisted in the Army. Upon his discharge from the Army, Dick attended college, graduating from Minot State College in 1963 with a degree in education and business. Dick then started teaching school, first in Surrey, then Palermo, N.D., and finally in Rexford.

Dick met his wife Ione (Jensen) in early 1961, when they were both working for Behm’s Truck Stop and Propane in Minot. They were married on July 1, 1961, in Norma, N.D. They made their home first in North Dakota, and then moved to Montana in 1966.

After moving to Montana and teaching in Rexford, Dick worked in construction, helping build Libby Dam. He then began a lengthy career with the U.S. Postal Service, working as a clerk in the Kalispell post office. Dick retired from the Postal Service after more than 20 years of service. While working for the Postal Service, Dick was elected as the president of the Montana Postal Workers Union, serving in that capacity for many years. In addition, Dick served as a board member for Kalispell School District No. 5, and was a die-hard Moose Lodge member.

During his retirement years, Dick developed a great affection for dogs, doting on all those he owned — first Jewel, then Poppy, and finally a mother-daughter pair, Dutchess and Grizzly Bear.

Despite declining health, Dick also stayed active repairing and/or fixing up things around the house and garage, and he meticulously maintained his lawn and trees. Not afraid of new technology, Dick used computers, the Internet, and television to enjoy old movies, historical events, politics and world affairs ... it seems like he was an expert in everything!

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lila (Roggenbuck); his brother, Monty; his brother, Monver; an infant brother; his daughter, Helene; and his granddaughter, Anna Louise.

Dick is survived by his wife Ione (Jensen); his sister, Mariam, and Valentine; his sister, Ruth, and Moe; his brother, Russell; his son, Joseph, and Joyce; his son, Jamison, and Jennifer; his granddaughters, Stephanie, Melanie, Jessica and William, Hallie, Kady and Gracelee; his grandson, Michael; his great-granddaughter, Sydnee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Dick's request, his immediate family will scatter his ashes at a private location he treasured, along with the ashes of his beloved pets, Jewel and Poppy.

In lieu of flowers or any other gifts of consolation, donations may be made in his name to the Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, UT 84741.

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.