Richard Munson passed away unexpectedly October 5th, 2021 at his home in Denver, Colorado. Rich entered the world March 3rd, 1955, in Miles City Montana to Donna and Glen Munson and spent his youth in Hysham, Montana where he apparently walked to school in blizzard conditions uphill both ways in the winter. Rich attended Montana State University in Bozeman where he met and married the beautiful and gregarious Christine Brown of Great Falls, Montana. As a senior in college with a wife and child (surprise!), Rich buckled down and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. His diligent work paid off and upon graduation, he accepted a position with Conoco and moved his growing family to Houston, Texas. There he spent the next 17 years trying to adjust to living in an oven. Apparently, the Texas heat is good for something because in 1979 Chris and Rich welcomed their son, Ian, into the world. Rich evidently loved surprises!
Rich worked hard establishing his career in Houston and ensuring his family was provided for. He was away from home for long hours during the week and travelled frequently to foreign countries. He never failed to bring something home for his children whether it be foreign coins, clothing or mementos. During this time, Rich loved to travel and he relished meeting interesting personalities all around the world. Rich especially loved Germany and the friends he made there as well as the culture, food, and drink. You could always tell when Rich truly enjoyed a fine meal with drink and friends or family as he would sit back in his chair and smirk while he quietly patted his belly with both hands as if he knew the secret to happiness; and if you by chance caught his eye in that fleeting moment, then you too knew the secret.
Even though his life’s journey took him away from Montana his heart never left. He even sent his kids to relatives in Montana every summer in tribute. The airlines just loved unaccompanied minors. Montana lived and breathed in our hearts and minds and sung to our family’s spirits always. In 1993, after a much anticipated and completely stress-free visit from his mother-in-law, he received an unexpected offer to purchase the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Bozeman, Montana. The first thing he did was go to a KFC near our house and order almost everything on the menu. Now if you know Rich, you know he is a very practical man, but after our family gorged on chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, Coleslaw, and any other scrap of food to be had, Rich decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it. He may have been in a food coma, we’re still not sure.
Sometimes life takes an unexpected left turn and other times you must be brave enough to make a left turn on your own and forge your own path. Go off-road so to speak. Rich was well suited for these kinds of journeys and could adapt to any situation. In beautiful Bozeman, we studied the chicken business like we were cramming for the final exam in senior year the night before the test. From 1994 to 1999 Rich could most often be found sweating in the kitchen heat cooking fried chicken, breading fried chicken or eating fried chicken. He often had flour on his person and a wild look in his eye during rush hour. Operating a family business together where parents and children work side by side each and every day forged a rare friendship and bond between Chris and Rich and their children. We had the opportunity to get to know our parents on a personal level and as colleagues. It brought our family much closer together than ever before. Regardless of how much hard work it required and how many long hours we all spent at the restaurant working, we will always value and respect the fateful decision Rich and our family made to create our own left turn in the road of life. We would not be where we are today without that detour and for that we will be forever grateful that Rich took a chance.
In 1999 the Munson family retired from the chicken business and Rich went to work back in the engineering and materials handling business which took him to Kirkland Washington for several years and then to Kansas City, Kansas. There are many things in this life you simply can’t anticipate, and Rich became widowed in 2008 with the sudden passing of his wife Christine. This was a devastating loss for Rich and their children, and the Munson family would never be the same again.
For those that knew Rich, he had a very sharp and witty sense of humor. You could also say it was dry and sarcastic. Quite often you may not even be aware you were in the presence of great humor. The joke was so high you would have to stand on the roof to get it. Rich was a very measured man who didn’t often display wild outbursts of emotions (except when golfing, but that doesn’t count). He was a man of few words but the words he did speak were consistently, and often annoyingly sarcastic. Rich was able to parlay his clever, sarcastic mind into finding love again with the elegant and talented Kathi (Maes) Broughm of Kansas City. The two were married in 2011. Rich and Kathi deeply enjoyed elegant dinner parties with their group of friends in Kansas. They took trips to Germany, Austria and other countries. Kathi and Rich enjoyed twelve laugh-filled years together until Rich’s untimely passing after a beautiful night out with new friends.
After ten years in Kansas City Rich and Kathi took an opportunity in Denver Colorado this year. Rich looked forward to meeting new people and often spoke of the good times and good companionship in his new community in Denver. Rich enjoyed golfing (it could have been a love/hate relationship), cooking (his fried rice was legendary), fishing (don’t believe anything he told you), biking (he did actually buy a bike) and social outings with friends and family.
Rich was thoughtful, kindhearted, generous, smart, devious, intuitive, clever and just a pleasure to be around. He genuinely cared about everyone. He was a great mentor on the practicalities of life and frequently provided free unsolicited advice. “Always be prepared for what life will throw at you. That way you are never surprised” was his motto and Rich spent long hours planning for the future. He looked forward to the time where he could comfortably set aside the rigors and responsibilities he committed to and just enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of labor. The path one chooses in life is never guaranteed. We are all grateful to have known Rich and to be a part of his life and legacy.
Rich is survived by his wife Kathi (Maes) Munson, daughter Sarah Walters and her husband Jack Walters and their son Jack; son Ian Munson and his wife Jennifer; Sister Christy Ruckwardt and her children Katy Stahler and Nick Ruckwardt; Stepdaughter Jenn Nimmo and her partner Kraig Sullivan and children Erin & Wesley Howard, and various first, second and third cousins. Rich’s remains were cremated per his wishes and his family is holding a graveside ceremony in Hysham, Montana at the Hysham Memorial Vale Cemetery on Friday October 15th at 2pm. Meal and remembrance to follow at the Hysham Community Center. Rich’s family would love to hear how you remember Rich by visiting the below website and sharing. https://stevensonfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/richard-munson-age-66-formerly-of-hysham-mt/
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 15, 2021
Memorial Vale Cemetery
Hysham, Montana 59038
Luncheon
Immediately Following Graveside Service
Friday October 15, 2021
Hysham Community Center
306 Rapelje
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Terilynn Church Adams says
In grade school all the girls in our class had a crush on Richey.
Keith Harris says
Although I did not know this man or his family, I received the above obituary from someone who did. In a nutshell, I enjoyed the “read!” it is living testament to a man who no doubt loved his family and made the most of the time he had on this place we call earth. May he rest in everlasting peace.
Noelle Pinkerton says
Awe! Rich was such a sarcastic joy even in high school! I truly enjoyed listening to his life when he decided “he had to get serious “! I felt he was right here as I was reading about his life. A very joyous account.
Colette Pedder Butcher says
Richey was my classmates little brother. Hysham, Treasure County, Montana was a wonderful place to be raised. A place small enough that everyone knew everybody. A place where we all walked uphill both ways in blinding blizzards. It sounds like Richey had a very full life and achieved many great things and saw many sites. May he rest in peace. My sympathy goes out to Christy for the loss of her little brother and to all of Richey’s family and friends. Cherish those memories!!
Janiece Adams says
Rich was truly a marvelous person. We went to school for 12 great years. In second grade the
girls and boys competed for the best person (girl or boy) with the best penmenship- Rich was the boy and I was the girl. Then when we were in 5th grade we competed for perfect attendance. I won over Rich but,only because I had 5 chicken pox and went to school but Rich got the chicken pox real bad and missed school and the perfect attendance. Last time I saw Rich we talk about that. I was working at the Friendly Corner one day years ago, and a car pulled up with out of state plates and a pretty lady came in and the man stayed in the car. I was standing behind the counter and I got the feeling someone was looking at me. I turned around and sure enough the man was watching me and you guessed it, it was Rich Munson. I didn’t recognize him until he walked him and called me by my name. I knew in that instant it was Rich. Those are a few of alot of memories of my life’s memories of Rich. To Rich’s family I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful friend.
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Bob Moerkerke says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Kathi, Sarah, Ian, Christy and all of Rich’s family. I was saddened to hear about Rich’s passing. But as I read his obituary so many great memories of Rich popped into my head and made me smile. What an amazing life he lived. And he lived it to the fullest. He was one of a kind and truly made an impact on many peoples lives. Spending time together as we grew up in Hysham and attending college at MSU was always an adventure! So many fun stories to tell. Rich had a caring heart and always made the time to help someone out. He was very instrumental in helping me navigate the corporate world and land a career job with Frito Lay. His expertise and guidance was top notch and that was the kind of man he was. I couldn’t thank him enough for what he did for me and what he has done for many other people around the world behind the scenes. Rest in peace Rich.
Carol Jean Taylor Corcoran says
I was sad to hear of Rich’s passing. What a wonderful account of his life. The Munson family was very close to us as his dad was a key employee for my Dad for so many years. I so remember Christ and Rich as children next door. I was happy to see them both at the all school reunion a number of years ago. My heart goes out to all of you in your loss.
Cathy Emmons says
I have never really known if students remember teachers but I am proof teachers remember students. My memories of Rich are fuzzy and muddled so I will not try to recount any. Bob and I do send our condolences. . . He was too young. Bob and Cathy. Aka Mr. E and Mrs.E
Glen White says
I always enjoyed Rich in my Math classes at Hysham. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during these hard times
Glen White
David Van Dyne says
Rich Munson – such an easy-going guy to work with. Rich and I had many wonderful technical conversations. Rich taught me a lot about the conveying business. Rich was always excited to pursue new material handling business opportunities, demonstrating patience and optimism in the hunt for projects that might take years to land.
Rich and Kathi were very gracious and generous hosts – they loved to gather diverse crowds. A party at the Munson home was always comfortable and memorable.
I will miss Rich – he was an unforgettable character.
Condolences to the family.
Darlene Stuber says
Rich was truly a beloved soul. He treated both my girls, Jennifer and Jolene, so wonderfully. He was a great father figure to the girls. He loved and supported Jennifer in the most beautiful ways. He was generous to me and had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with the Munson family. My heart was touched by knowing Rich Munson. I wish I would have told him that. You will be missed Rich.💞
Simon Shipp says
“We are best in the world at this and most of the time we can barely make it happen” only Rich could stand in front of a room full of customers and make such a statement, he did and he carried it off too. To me, this is how I will remember Rich, smart, brave, and always creating a perspective you never saw coming and we all loved him for it.
Rich had this unique way both in life and for sure at work to plan, explore, and define the plan to go forward. Rich was very intelligent and highly persuasive and above all, he was of the highest integrity.
I enjoyed every trip I ever made with Rich, there was always an event and story to tell, I wish I could share them all.
Although we were not working together over the last 6 years we always kept in touch. That was Rich always there for you, no matter what it was a conversation you’d enjoy and for sure inevitably laugh about something. I will never work with or know another Rich Munson, that makes me sad, but I also can’t help but smile every time I think of Rich.
We all lost one of the best. I can’t imagine what Kathi and the whole family are experiencing right now. My thoughts are with you all.
Swanand Joshi says
The affable, enthusiastic, resourceful, ingenious, enterprising, fun-loving, knowledgeable, humble, impeccable sense of humor … the list of adjectives trying to define Rich can go on and on. I first met Rich in November 2012, my first time in the USA. Rich & Kathi invited us to their beautiful house for Thanksgiving lunch. They made me feel at home, they were amazing hosts who were willing to share their culture and know about other cultures. I can’t believe Rich is no longer with us. My heart goes out to Kathi and the people who Rich called family, this is an irreversible loss & only time can heal. Goodbye Mr. Munson & thank you for being an amazing human being
Dee Batey says
So sorry for your loss. Rich was always considered a friend of mine. Sending condolences to his family.
David Cox says
What a wonderful recounting of RIch’s life, full of things I did not know including his tenure as a restaurant owner. I had the pleasure to know Rich for just under 2 years, in a professional setting. He was a true expert in his field, and he used facts, not opinions, to back up his creative ideas and proposals. This made it a real pleasure to work together, and his pursuit of excellence in his chosen field reminded me a lot of my own father’s. Rich is sorely missed in the technical professional community where he operated. I wish that our lives crossed for more years so that I would have gotten a chance to get to know more about him as an individual, outside of a work setting.
John S. Cook says
I met Rich only on several occasions, during trade shows within our industry. However, we had numerous mutual friends. I always looked forward to seeing him at the next event, and enjoyed his company. He was a pleasant, kind and easy man to be around, and dedicated to his job.
Although we worked for different companies, we often spoke on the phone about projects that could benifit both of our employers, and us.
My condolences to Rich’s family. I wish there where more people like him.
Gone way too soon.
Jim Lahey says
I’ll never forget Rich. Back in the 1980s Rich was assigned the job of constructing a petroleum coke handling terminal in Lake Charles, LA. I was located there in the operations group. We pipeliners had absolutely no idea how to run an above ground conveying system complete with stacker/reclaimer machines. Rich worked with a German firm for the equipment and got everything set up unbelievably well. When he turned it over to us to operate…..it worked with very few and minimal startup problems. All through this Rich was a true engineering pro. His sense of humor was simply outstanding and THAT is what I most fondly remember about him. When stress was high, Rich was able to keep us all grounded with some great deadpan humor. Great guy and I am sorry to see him depart all of us.