Richard Bardo, 81

Richard C. "Dick" Bardo, 81, left his loving family and "changed his address to heaven" on Aug. 30, 2023.

Dick was born July 5, 1942, in Danbury, Connecticut. He was the second of eight children born to Charles and Lillian Bardo and spent most of his childhood growing up on the family farm. In 1960 he graduated from the Henry Abbott Technical High School where he focused on carpentry. After high school, Dick served in the United States Air Force which landed him in Great Falls. After the military Dick graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in engineering.

In 1976 Dick met and married his wife Sheri and they spent their honeymoon summer working as cook and packer in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. They spent the next 25 years living in the Swan Valley near Lindbergh Lake with a shared passion for horses, the outdoors, and a homesteader lifestyle.

Dick was known as the guy who could "make it work" when it came to carpentry and after a few quick sketches on a napkin could bring to life incredibly custom log work that can be found in homes and businesses throughout the Swan and Flathead Valleys. Often referred to as a walking "Google", he knew a little bit about everything and thrived on learning new things.

Predeceased by his wife Sheri Bardo in 2004 and brother Mark in 2023, Dick is survived by his children Jody Brewer of Elma, Washington; Seth Bardo of Columbia Falls; and Alyssa Bardo of Helena, and their spouses; siblings Karen, Ted, Alan, Brian, Bruce, and Elaine; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.

A celebration of life service will be planned at a later date.