Dennis “Dino” Richards, age 68 of Billings, Mt (formerly of Broadus, Mt) passed away July 21, 2017 at the Powder River Manor surrounded by family after a four-year courageous battle with cancer. He was the fourth born on November 13, 1948 in Miles City, Mt to John and Eugenie (Johnson) Richards.
Dennis attended Broadus Schools, graduating in 1967. Dennis married Tina Thompson on March 10th, 1967. In October of 1967, their son Shawn was born in Miles City, Mt. Dennis then enrolled in airline school, which first took the family to Kansas City, Mo. His first job was with Frontier in Cheyenne, Wy. In 1968, he was hired by Northwest Airlines, which took the family to Helena, Mt. Throughout his employment, Northwest Airlines would transfer the family due to numerous strikes. In April 1971, their son Ronnie was born in Bismarck, ND and in April 1972, daughter Vikki Jo was born in Missoula, Mt.
Dennis enjoyed using his travel benefits with Northwest Airlines to visit numerous locations; such as Copenhagen, Florida, Massachusetts, Germany, Hawaii, Seattle, Alaska, Nevada and many more. One memorable trip was to the Final Four in New Orleans, LA with Cal in 1993. Dennis never knew a stranger. Throughout his years at Logan International Airport in Billings, MT, he would always go out of his way to upgrade his family and friends to first class, if possible. An added benefit would be for Dennis to walk them to the gate. In 2007, Dennis retired from Northwest Airlines with 38 years of dedicated service. He picked up a part time job with the Tanker Base for three summers, filling airplanes with fire retardant.
Dennis enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, spending time at the Hutterite Colony with Dora, Peter, Ike and friends. He was also an avid fan of NCAA basketball-go Blue Devils! He treasured spending time with family, especially time spent with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Special memories with his children are his trip to Germany with Dave Kulas when Shawn was stationed in Kaiserslautern Germany in 1987; his trip to Boston, MA with Ronnie and friend Todd Harris to see a Boston Red Sox baseball game; and numerous trips with Vikki to see their favorite country singer, Don Williams. Dennis was a devoted, enthusiastic, passionate, eager fisherman and hunter making many memories with his father, sons, brothers, grandsons, nephews and special friends. Some of these memories are hidden and Shawn may take them to his grave.
His cancer battles were fought not only by Dennis, but by many willing to support and comfort him – with Vikki being there every step of the way at many appointments, Wendy’s guidance with her expertise and care, Tina’s reminiscing and pinochle playing, Dave McCurdy’s many hours of playing cribbage, Cal and Julie’s support, commitment and many rides to and from appointments, Johnny’s dedicated care and companionship. This made Dennis’s days less cumbersome.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, son Ronnie, nephews Terry, Davy and Scott and son-in-law KC Greslin. He is survived by Tina; his son Shawn (Wendy) and their children Brandy (Dillon), Gabby, Ronnie and Johnny; daughter Vikki (Jerry) and their children Koreena, Sami (BJ), Garrett, Ridge and Raegan; son Amos (Crystal) and their children Zander, Tayven, Shad and Cordelia; one great-granddaughter Braylee Jo; siblings Karen (Dallas), Gary (Lana), Dave (Carole) and Mike; nieces and nephew, Robin, Brookney, Vanessa, Jeannie, Rakki, Michaela, Nikolaus, Laurie, Tana, Jennifer and Raquel; and special friends Julie and Cal.
All of Dennis’s family and friends are considered honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus with family receiving friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church. Private family interment will be held at a later date in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in his name to the Powder River Manor, Henry Malley Memorial Library or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday July 30, 2017
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Richards family.
Veda says
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS, LOVE TO YOU ALL.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I send our sympathy and love to the whole family. May God carry all of you thru this hard time.
Jeff and Val Hyatt says
We are very saddened by this news. Prayers of comfort and strength to the family during this difficult time.
marilyn jones says
Deepest sympathy to the Richards families!
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
so very sorry to heat this. He w as so special to me over the year. Our thoughts & prayers, to all.
Chris says
So sorry to hear the news. He was such a special person. Always had a smile and something nice to say to everyone. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
teresa bacon says
I hadn’t seen Dennis in yrs, but he was always so friendly in HS, my condolences and sympathy to the family and friends.
Teresa Geib Bacon
Randy and Calene Babcock says
The Babcock family extends deepest sympathy and condolences to Dennis’s family. We have countless, fond memories of our dear friend at the ranch! May you Rest In Peace.
Russ&Kathy Formento says
The Formento’s so sorry for the family. I worked with Dennis at NWA in Billings, he was a great guy he will be missed.
willy cain says
Sorry to hear about Dennis was one of my best friends in our school days and in life I,ll miss you Dennis
SALLY A. BORLA says
DENNIS WAS WAY TO YOUNG TO LEAVE THIS WORLD BUT HE IS AT PEACE NOW AND NO MORE SUFFERING. DENNIS WAS ALWAYS SO FRIENDLY AND SUCH A CARING YOUNG MAN–I’M GLAD I WORKED AT THE MANOR WHILE JEAN-HIS MOM–WAS THERE AS I GOT TO SEE HIM QUITE OFTEN AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. ALL THE RICHARDS’ WERE FAMILY TO ME AND ALWAYS WILL BE. GOD BLESS/CHERISH YOUR MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
Sandy Saunders says
I am in shock with the news of Dennis…my thoughts and prayers go out to the Richards family. You have my deepest sympathy in the sad time….
tammy & john schoenbeck says
so sorry for your loss, in my thoughts & prayers
Bobbi says
So sorry for your loss.
Nancy Foley Young says
To the family of Dennis Wayne Richards. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. Isaiah 25:8.
Helen Wilson Lorenz says
Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to family. Such a kind, gracious man. My one and only flight in first class was due to this man graciously upgrading my status!
Dianne Engel says
I am so sorry for the loss of a good man. Dino you were the best brother-in-law and friend. Many fun and funny moments spent with you at your house and ours.. Rest in peace my friend
Christy Schmid and family says
So sorry for your loss. May the lord, God, hold you in the palm of his han during this difficult time.
Bob cook says
Richards family,
So sorry to learn the passing of a great person,friend, and classmate. We spent a lot of time together in our younger years, and the
Richards home was a second home to many of us. You will be missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know you. RIP.. Bob Cook
Bill and Jacob Janssen says
After reading the obit I have to say Dennis always went out of his way to help with flights. Even if you weren’t flying his airline. Got to know him later in life and found a gentle soul. I’ve known all you Richards’ thru the years. Shawn, Vicki and families I can just imagine. Just remember the good times. Tina….. couple of white spots on my fingernails. Wish I could’ve golfed with a few more times. John and Genie you done good. RIP Dennis.
Keith Rukavina & Family says
Our condolences to the Richard’s family, may he Rest In Peace f
Lenora Knapp (RICHARDS) says
BLESSINGS TO ALL OF DENNIS RICHARDS FAMILY.
WITH ALL OUR LOVE FROM ARNIE RICHARDS FAMILY. WHITECOURT ALBERTA CANADA,
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN GOD BLESS.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the Richards family at this difficult time. I remember all of the Richards family fondly as we all.grew up together in the Broadus community. Eventhough Dennis graduated 8 years before I did, I remember him as this tall, person who reminded me somewhat of The Beatles (the dark, shaggy hair). ? Later, when, I myself living in Billings, I took a job at the parking at Logan Airport. I was pleasantly surprised to see Dennis Richards was working at the Nortwest ticket counter. He had a smile for everybody. I will always remember his happy upbeat voice announcing the flights arrival over the P.A. system. May God Bless all of you and may Dennis rest in peace.
Debbie Drake-Newton says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Richards family.
Robert and Lauri Fisher says
Thoughts and prayers to the Richards family during this difficult time. We’ve known Dennis for years through Northwest Airlines. We were able to see him last week before being moved out of the hospital. Even when not feeling so great, he had a smile and a shout out for my husband and I.
Robert Rogge says
Thoughts and prayers to the Richards family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. Many memories of Dennis in Broadus.
Jill knight says
Dennis was a good hearted man, and will never be forgotten! Sending prayers of comfort to all his family who are grieving his loss.
Dennis is Home now.
Jill & Andy Knight
Shauna, Rob and Tate says
Vikki and family, thinking of you. so sorry for your loss.
Deanna Darnielle says
I’m so sorry to learn of Dennis’ passing. This life is a journey, and I had the pleasure of spending part of that journey with Dennis. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and I pray for your strength during this most difficult time.
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
So sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Will be praying for all of you.
Gary Cathey and Katie Gauslow says
Condolences to the Richards family.
Connie & Charlie Hunter says
Our condolences to all the Richards families on the loss of Dennis. He was a great guy and one of my very special Montana cousins!
We always loved his Alberta visits,with a lot of laughs, hugs, smiles and long conversations. After such a long battle of suffering, he is now in a much better place. Rest in Peace Dennis. Hugs to all his family!
Cousin Connie & Charlie Hunter and Families
Tracey Gatlin says
My condolences to the Richards family. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Randy & Lisa Lancaster says
Condolences to the Richards family
Clinton meidinger says
Sorry for your loss of your dad
Ted & Cathy Elgin says
Our condolences to all the Richards family. It seems like only yesterday we were all walking up and down the halls of good old PRCDHS and Dennis was so much fun. We send many prayers and thoughts to all the family.
Rhonda Traub says
So saddened by Dennis’s passing, he was such a great cousin to our family. Loved when he would come stay with us on the ranch in our high school days….such a nice, loving and caring individual! We Love you Dennis and you will be greatly missed. Thoughts and Prayers……
Shawn and Shawna Wahl says
Please know our family is thinking of all the family..We send our condolences..
Jacquie (Smith) Van Gundy says
I read about Dennis in the Powder River Examiner. So, so sorry! When I was living in Billings, I ran into him at my daughter’s babysitter’s house for the first time since high school. He was working for Northwest at that time. Of course we ran into each other in the airport two or three times. Always had a smile on his face and a gentle way about him. My heart goes out to each of you.
Linda (Cole) Bianco says
Dear Karen, Gary, Dave. Mike and all of Dino’s family – Dennis was such a treasure and made all friends, family and people he had just met feel really special. When he came here with Dave McCurdy and played golf with my husband, it was such fun to have him here. I even called Ken Knie in AZ so they could all talk to him. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you all. I’ll never forget people saying how big Jeannie’s smile was when he went to visit her – now she can smile for all eternity. Two very special people in my life that I’ll never forget and always thank God for putting in my life. God bless you all.