Richard was born April 20, 1934 in Wisconsin and served in the United States Army.
After his military service, he was involved in farming, ranching and truck driving. He owned his own land in Colorado, where he raised Hereford cows.
He also worked in law enforcement in Colorado, where he was given the nickname by which he would evermore be known," Kojak".
An active presence throughout the Community Living Center and the VA facility, Kojak knew no strangers. Sometimes gruff and sometimes tender, Kojak was befriended by children and adults alike. He developed a special bond with Miles City Police Officer, Steve Fenner, chapel escort, Bill Hill, the staff of Victory Insurance, the staff at the CLC, and the staff at the Miles City Soup Kitchen, where he volunteered until the time of his death. Kojak delighted in the attention of the children who came to see him on Wednesdays.
Kojak was preceded in death by his parents and by his fiancé.
Memorial services with military honors will take place Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10:30 in the chapel of the Department of Veterans Affairs facility. Interment will take place at the State Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
James L. Arneson says
Going to miss seeing you around everyday Kojak. R.I.P.
Mason Harding says
I will miss you and never forget you:(
Kathy Bergevin says
I keep expecting to see you sitting at your usual spot in the Soup Kitchen. Glad he is being buried with military honors!
Marilyn May says
So sorry to lose you, Kojak. I always looked forward to visiting with you, when I came to the VA to do my cooking classes. God Bless you. You were special.
cyndie hanvold says
The soup kitchen feels empty with out you there. Sorry to see you go.
Charlotte Sloan says
Kojack, you will never know how much your life impacted mine. I will miss seeing you every day and reporting the temp to you. I still look at it though, just for you. It’s not the same here without you! See you later at your beautiful ranch home in heaven!
Carol says
To a dear, dear friend…who helped me go through my loss…you will always be in my heart.
R says
To bad your sister wasn’t there with you…I will get a hold of her and let her know….