Richard LeRoy Lau, 79

Richard LeRoy Lau, 79, beloved husband, father and friend, passed away on Oct. 21, 2021, in Kalispell.

LeRoy was born on Aug. 10, 1942, in Polson to Richard and Beatrice Lau (Johnson). After LeRoy graduated from Polson High School, he entered the Navy. After the Navy, LeRoy began work at AT&T, starting a 32-year career.

In 1968, LeRoy married Charlotte Kilday in Seattle. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary this past January.

A Vietnam veteran, LeRoy served aboard the USS Coontz. He was an active member of the USS Coontz Association and looked forward to the reunion with his shipmates each year.

LeRoy was very active in Freemasonry, particularly the York Rite and Shriners, and was the Secretary for Bigfork Lodge no,150, AF&AM. He was recognized in 2014 as the Secretary of the Year at Grand Lodge in Helena.

LeRoy was a longtime resident of Lakeside and took enormous pride in his chosen hometown. Well known and liked, he dearly loved his friends and neighbors. He was an active member of the Lakeside Community Chapel. He generously volunteered his time to his community through the church and the Freemasons.

Anyone who knew LeRoy was touched by his kindness and humor, and he was always first to lend a helping hand. He lived a life of selfless service and will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Beatrice, his stepmother Emily Lau, and his sister Carol Lau.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, his sister Kathy Bertram, his brother Russell Gardipe, his son Robert Lau (Beth), daughter Stacey March, granddaughters Samantha Lau, Shaylin March and Tierney March, grandson Logan March, a large extended family, and an abundance of friends.

A celebration of LeRoy’s life will be held at some time in the future.

Contributions in memory of LeRoy may be made to the church at: Lakeside Community Chapel, P.O. Box 162, Lakeside, MT 59922. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.