Richard C. 'Dick' Collier, 91

Richard C. “Dick” Collier passed away July 31, 2016. He “went to heaven to join his wife and three children and dearest friends” who meant the most to him.

Dick was born to Myron and Mary (Parsley) Collier on Jan. 22, 1925, in Kalispell. He attended school from Hedges Elementary through graduating with the Flathead County High School Class of 1943.

After serving in the Army during World War II he returned to Kalispell and married Margaret “Pat” Knowles in 1949 and raised five children (four sons and one daughter). Dick joined the Army National Guard, serving many years and becoming a staff sergeant. He was very dedicated to serving his country and always contributed to Disabled American Veterans.

Dick and Pat bought the Trego Bar and had lots of stories to tell about that endeavor! Later he worked with his cousin, Eldo, running a jukebox business. He then went to work at the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls, where he remained until retirement.

Dick took great pride in his home, yard and garden. The garden was very large, and he bartered with the neighbors for different jobs and work that needed done. All of us kids got very well educated in “picking weeds,” as no hoeing of them was allowed. Dick was a hard worker concerning all jobs and tasks that needed to be done. He was the epitome of, “Give a man an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay and then some extra.”

Dick grew up the old-fashioned way. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and boating to provide food, recreation and education for his family. His favorite pastimes were card parties and dancing. Singing around the campfire was enjoyed by many friends on many occasions. He moved the family to Bitterroot Lake in Marion in 1968.

After retirement, Dick enjoyed his winters in Arizona with many of his good friends, including his longtime buddy, Stan Ness, and his wife, Louise. Dick later settled back in Columbia Falls after the death of his wife, Pat, and met his “newly and forever cherished partner,” Norma Finberg. Our thanks go out to the Finberg family for their constant and loving care for Dad.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat Gardner; wife, Pat; son, Ronald; daughter, Mary-Helen; grandson, Jason; loving partner, Norma Finberg; and, on Aug. 8, 2016, son Rick.

He is survived by his sons, Robb and wife Elaine of Marion, and Randy of Marion; and seven grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Columbia Bar on Nucleus Ave. in Columbia Falls.