Rich E Miller, 76, of Terry, Montana, died suddenly June 13. Rich, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born in Wolf Point, Montana, on November 18, 1948, to Lynn and Thelma (Wilson) Miller. Rich grew up in Wolf Point, graduating from high school there in 1966. Soon afterward, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army. After training in helicopter maintenance at Fort Eustis, Virginia, he deployed to Vietnam soon after Christmas that year. Assigned to the 498th Medical Air Ambulance Company, Rich served as a crew chief, earning a Bronze Star with “V” device, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Air Medal with “V” device and four oakleaf clusters. In September 2024, Congress and the president awarded a Gold Medal to “Dustoff” pilots, crew chiefs, and medics who “served honorably during the Vietnam War aboard helicopter air ambulances.”
Rich returned stateside in January 1968, serving out the remainder of his enlistment at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. There he met and married Sharon Brown. Although the union did not last, it did result in the birth of their beloved daughter, Nicole Hope.
Leaving the Army in 1969, Rich returned to Montana and attended the University of Montana, earning a BA in political science in 1973.
Rich and Sharon then returned to Georgia, where daughter Nicole was born in May 1973. Rich worked for the Southern Railway until 1975, returning to Montana to assist in the family business, Lynn’s Bar in Helena, later that year.
He began a long association with the Montana gaming industry in 1982, eventually becoming Executive Director of Montana’s Gaming Industry Association (GIA). Rich enjoyed a broad array of experiences. As a teenager he helped farm for an uncle and a future Montana governor. Along with the G.I. Bill, work as a surveyor got him through college. He once even worked as a parts person at an auto parts store. He operated casinos in Helena and Missoula.
Rich loved adventure and loved to drive. He took several long-distance bicycle tours and many road trips to visit friends and, lately, presidential libraries around the country. Perhaps his greatest adventure was purchasing and sailing on his forty-foot boat, Knot Tied. He shrugged off its loss in the tragic Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. Although he entertained the idea, he never returned to sailing. For the past several years Rich split time between his home in Terry, at his late sister’s or niece’s home in Helena, and with his daughter in Iowa. He was an expert marksman, excelled at knotwork, and enjoyed rock-climbing in earlier years. He enjoyed taking his side-by-side into the badlands around Terry and to other places around the country and was active in Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 234 out of Glendive.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Thelma, and sister, Bonnie Miller, he died at home in Terry, Montana. Rich is survived by his daughter Nikki (Leo) Byrd, Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren Makenzie and Dax Emerson, of Iowa; a great-grand child, Declan; brother Mick (Maureen), The Colony, Texas, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His body will be cremated.
A veteran’s ceremony will be held at Fort Harrison on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 1:30
p.m., followed by a reception at Miller’s Crossing. On Friday, July 18, family and friends are
welcome to attend the release of his ashes in the Sunnyside area south of Poplar in the early
afternoon. A reception at the Wolf Point Elk’s Club will follow.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Fort Harrison
3550 Heroes Rd
Fort Harrison, MT
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Millers Crossing
52 South Park
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Fort Harrison
3550 Heroes Rd
Fort Harrison, MT
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Millers Crossing
52 South Park
Helena, MT
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Chris Warren says
Rich was a very special person. We will miss him.
We send our thoughts and prayers.
VVA #234 says
Rich will be missed. Rest in peace. Your brothers and sisters of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 234.
Jeannie and Steve Stream says
I cannot express my sorrow when hearing of Rich’s loss. He was a force of nature, an adventurer and a good friend. He will be missed but always remembered 💗
MARK RICHARD DOLATTA says
RICH WAS A VERY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE PRIARIE COUNTY SPORTSMAN ASSOCIATION. HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH. HIS MEMORIES WILL BE EVER LASTING,
Linda Lowder says
What a wonderful legacy he left behind! Never forgotten. Peace to those left to carry it on. I am heartbroken for everyone that loves him.
Roger Wimmer says
Rich was a prince of a guy, always a gentleman and a humble individual he will be missed
Susan Sems says
I first met Rich in 1994 through mutual good friends Steve and Jeannie Stream in Creston, Iowa for our Class of 1969 25th reunion. Rich had ridden his road bike from Montana to Iowa to visit the Stream Family. His endeavor impressed me so. We became friends at that time. He purchased his beloved “Knot Tied” Sailboat in the Bahamas and taught himself how to sail. Rich was always up for an adventure! I will miss him! Prayers go out to Nikki and Family! Luck and Laughter was Rich’s motto.
Kent Benjamin says
Met Rich at the rifle range north of Terry. He was an avid pistol shooter and good guy to visit with. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Holly Bixby (Smart) says
I just came across this and am truly sorry to hear of his passing. I worked for him at Best Bet Casino when I was 18. He always surprised me with his friendliness once I got to know him.