Richard Charles Ibsen, 77

It is with saddened hearts that we share the fact that Richard Charles Ibsen gracefully passed away in Bandon, Oregon, at 77 years of age on Dec. 12, 2019.

Born on Aug. 19, 1942, in Seattle to Ivan and Darlene Ibsen, Rich spent most of his early life in Whitefish where he attended school, worked at Markus Grocery, served in the Montana National Guard and ultimately dedicated his working life to the family business of plumbing. Also during this time, Rich courted and married his high school sweetheart, Montana “Tana” Rae Hunsinger (Ibsen).

While a portion of his heart remained in Whitefish, ambition called him to work as a master plumber, operating throughout multiple states within the Western U.S., which was an incredible feat in and of itself. As life continued, Rich ended up in California where he worked with his son, Mitch, who also was working in the plumbing trade. Rich continued to work until a few years ago, when health complications associated with ALS called him away, but work never seemed to leave his mind.

Rich was always protective and supportive about family. Notably, he took to grand-fatherhood easily where he naturally became the loveable “Papa.” Unable to bear a moment of what he considered suffering, Papa spent many hours rocking his five granddaughters to sleep. There wasn’t a birthday, graduation, performance, horse show or wedding that wasn’t brightened by Papa’s smile or embrace. His five great-grandsons, Aspen, Leopold, Bridger, Finley and Ellis are lucky to have known his genuine hugs and easy smile. While the two great-grandchildren on their way won’t have the privilege of meeting him on Earth, they will know his love when eating excessively buttered popcorn and the making of family lefse.

After Tana’s untimely passing at 62 years of age in 2004, Rich found love in a familiar friend, MaryAnn Hawkins (Ibsen). Rich and MaryAnn married in 2008 and our family is grateful for her love and devotion to Rich throughout the years. With MaryAnn, or “GG” as she’s better known to all the grandkids, came more loved ones, including her two great-granddaughters, Paige and Riley, another son and daughter, and grandchildren all loved equally by Papa.

Rich is survived by his wife MaryAnn Ibsen and family, daughter Lacey Ibsen; son and daughter-in-law Mitch and Erika Ibsen, brother-in-law Benton Cavin and family; brother- and sister-in-law Gerry and Leslie Hunsinger, five loving granddaughters and their amazing husbands and seven great-grandchildren. He will also be sorely missed by nieces, nephews and wonderfully dedicated friends.

Rich was preceded in death by Montana Rae Ibsen, parents Ivan and Darlene Ibsen, sister Doreen Cavin, and in-laws Bob and Gert Hunsinger.

Rich was an enigma, fierce, handsome, charismatic and passionate. We will all miss his amazing love for family, a strong, heartfelt handshake, an infectious smile and an energetic air that made you believe anything was possible.

A memorial service in honor of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug.15, 2020, between 2 and 5 p.m. at the home of Gerry and Leslie Hunsinger, located at 590 Michael Slough Road, Columbia Falls.

The family asks that any desired memorial gift in the honor of Rich should be sent to the ALS Association whose research and resolve to cure this devastating disease is of immeasurable importance.