Richard C. Holmes, 82

Richard C. Holmes, 82, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at Genesis Health Care in Whitefish, where the staff provided him with the best possible care.

He was born Aug. 11, 1933, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Jack and Emma Holmes.

He tried his hand riding in rodeos around the Cheyenne area before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served during the Korean War from March 1951 until his honorable discharge in June of 1954. He was fortunate to have been stationed in Astoria, Oregon, and Kodiak, Alaska, during his enlistment. The GI Bill allowed him to study engineering at the University of Wyoming where he graduated with the Class of 1958.

His early career spanned the construction of the Interstate Highway System where he spent 19 years with the Montana Department of Transportation, first in Helena then in Bozeman. He held the position of director of public works for the city of Bozeman until his retirement in 1988. He then moved with his wife to Marion where he spent the remainder of his life enjoying his retirement and working endless hours in his wood shop.

He was preceded in death by his father Jack, son Duke, his brother Bill, his stepfather Fred and mother Emma Bush.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Holmes; and his children, Jack, Kathy, David and Dan; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him very much.

There will be a graveside service for Richard at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Richard’s family.