Fredrick 'Rick' Harvey, 64

Brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, golfer and fisherman, Fredrick “Rick” Harvey passed away July 28, 2018, at his home in Billings of natural causes.

Rick was born Dec. 20, 1953, in Kalispell to Bob and Kathy Harvey. Growing up in West Valley, he attended Flathead High School, tech school in Missoula following graduation.

Rick was not for farm life; he became a computer programmer. He was a fixer of things, a computer guy with the soul of a handyman. He enjoyed having company and was a good cook. He loved to travel — from fishing off the Oregon Coast, to trips to Italy and Australia and visits back to the Flathead.

He was a golfer; both of his nephews had the opportunity to golf with him and witness his reactions to a bad swing. He was a Broncos fan and tolerated no trash talk about his team.

If something could be said with two words, Rick often found a way to use one; he wasted neither time nor words on idle chatter. When you visited with him it was the real thing. He would gladly reminisce with family about the good times. The easiest houseguest in the world, his needs were few. The coffeepot, the remote control and dog toys for Winnie, the black lab that had Uncle Rick wrapped around her little paw. He had just been home for a visit and a little family reunion. It was a wonderful time for all and we are so grateful for those memories.

While he was home, he witnessed his younger sister struggling to pit cherries with a drinking straw. For her 50th birthday, he bought her a cherry pitter — pure Rick. It is the best cherry pitter you have ever seen.

Rick is survived by his sisters and their husbands, Gail and Bruce Drew, and Sara and Tony Martin; nephews, Bret and Randy Martin; uncle, Dale Harvey; aunts, Nancy and Betty Harvey; and too many cousins and their families to list. Never take for granted the time given with those close to you.

A local memorial gathering is being planned for next week, with time and date to be announced.

Rick had been involved with Zoo Montana in Billings for many years. The family suggests any memorials be directed there.