Richard 'Dick' W. Keniston, 83

Richard “Dick” W. Keniston, 83, passed away Nov. 21, 2016, at the Village Healthcare in Missoula, surrounded by his family. 

Dick is survived by his wife, Joyce Keniston, of 60 years, three children, Donna Caras and husband James Caras of Missoula, Gary Keniston and Mary Ingalls of Missoula, and Julie Reid and husband Larry Reid of Kalispell; three grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor and husband James Taylor of Missoula, Taylor Reid of Billings and William Reid of Kalispell; and three great-grandchildren, Devin and Nadelie Taylor of Missoula and Emry Wells of Kalispell; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Theodore and Regina Keniston. They moved to Missoula when Richard was 9 months old. Dick attended Missoula County High School and graduated in 1951. 

After graduation, his calling was to serve his country. He joined the Navy in December of 1951, and was on the aircraft carrier USS Princeton during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in December of 1955. It was when he came home from the war that he met the love of his life, Joyce M Willard. Dick and Joyce were married in March of 1956, and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. 

 Dick worked at his father’s concrete business until August 1963, when he became a police officer in Missoula. He retired in November of 1983 as a captain of the City Police Department. He was so proud of the time that he served — both in the Navy and the Missoula City Police Department.

Dick loved spending his free time with his family, especially his three children. He could be found many nights and days sitting in front of his piano, playing and singing tunes. There were many all-night jam sessions enjoyed at the Keniston home, with furniture being cleared out of the way for singing and dancing. One of his favorite things to do was go fishing, and to tell everyone the big tales of his adventures.  Camping, hunting and playing cards were some of his other favorites.

Besides being called dad and daddy, his other favorite title was “papa.”  He took so much pride in his three grandchildren, and to make life even better, he became a “great-papa” and lived to see three more come around. Family was Dick’s whole world.  He loved being around all of his family. His passion for life was contagious and he was always playing pranks on his friends and family.

Dick leaves his family with the knowledge that they were loved unconditionally, and that they learned from him the importance of living life to its fullest. The twinkling of his blue eyes will never be forgotten, and will live on in his children, family and friends. Dick’s smile and spirit will be missed. We will love you forever.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Theadore and Regina Keniston; and his two sisters,  LaRae Hayes of Helena and Marlene Standley of Kalispell. 

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Missoula Aging Services or the Humane Society.