Rick Waldo, age 71, of Spearfish, South Dakota passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City, Montana.
Rick was born on March 8, 1950 in Williston, North Dakota, the son of Arthur and Ilene (Hennen) Waldo. As a child, he had polio before the vaccine came out and although he was unable to play sports, it never slowed him down. He attended elementary school in Sidney and graduated from Sidney High School. Following graduation, he went to college for a year in Billings. He then went to work in the oil fields in 1971 as a surveyor assistant which he did until 1977. Rick married Virginia Cooper on August 10, 1978 in Dickinson, North Dakota (divorced July 22, 2002) and from that marriage he adopted a son Shad and a daughter Shasta. In 1979 they moved to Coram, Montana where they purchased the Dew Drop Inn. In 1981 they moved to Bowman, North Dakota as they decided that bar life was not for them. He then went to work in the oil fields. They relocated to Dickinson, North Dakota in 1983 until the oil crash. In 1986 they moved to Spearfish, South Dakota and purchased a bike shop which he owned and operated for several years. He also worked for Warf Resources for a few years then took a manager position at Western Dakota VoTech Bookstore where he worked until he retired. Not all heroes wear capes, some are quiet men who grow tomatoes and raise a son. The song says “half the dad he didn’t have to be” but he was the real thing and a quiet hero full of life’s lessons. Rick really enjoyed gardening in his later years and could grow anything. He loved to go fishing and hunting, doing yard work, cooking, and shopping for gadgets. Rick was a happy man who never complained of anything including doing everything with only one arm. He loved to socialize with everyone in the neighborhood and help others with small projects.
Rick is survived by his son Shad (Rennette) Waldo of Miles City, MT; a daughter Shasta Waldo of Washington; a nephew Bruce Waldo of Alaska; a cousin Joe Gannon of North Dakota; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Art and Ilene Waldo; a brother Barry Waldo; a nephew B.C. Waldo; and a granddaughter Sascha Marie Waldo.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held in the Sidney Cemetery in Sidney. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 18, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 18, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sarah Dyba says
Shad, Rennette and family, I am truly sorry. I believe those we love turn into angels once they pass on. You guys have some beautiful ones. I’m sure of it the reunion was glorious. Please know my family has you all in our prayers. – Sarah
Love ya Rennette
Vickie Lass says
Rick and I worked at Western Dakota Tech for many years and were friends. I was Rick’s WDT Bookstore assistant for a couple of years before he retired. He was an upbeat, friendly, nice guy. I called him shortly before he had his stroke and we had a nice conversation. He loved gardening, fish tank fish, cooking, beer and his family. I will miss him a lot, but he is in a better place where he will no longer suffer from his polio or stroke. Blessings to his family.
Bill Moths says
I first met Rick working in the oil fields in North Dakota back in the 70’s and reconnected with him in Spearfish. He was a great guy with such a positive attitude. I am greatly saddened by the news of his passing. My sincere sympathy to his family and other friends. Goodbye old friend, may you rest in eternal peace.
Richard Perry says
Shad, Rennette, & Family
A good friend is an understatement. Each time I think of Rick I have to smile. What a pleasure it is to have known Rick. Rick and I spent many an hour together working on different projects. He was the glue of the neighborhood Everyone loved Rick. Rick will be missed but he will always be in the hearts of his Brookview neighbors
Mary Ann Slanina says
I worked with Rick at WDT for over 20 years. He was my lunch buddy! I will cherish my memories of him!
Kolleen (Waldo) Forsyth says
So sorry to hear of our cousin, Rick’s, passing. Im glad he did follow through with moving to Miles City to be by his son & family. We just never know how many days we have left.
I have fond memories of our growing up adventures. Our dads were brothers. There are lots of Waldo cousins from those 5 brothers, tho we’ve lost a few. Rick will be missed. He had a happy outlook.
My sympathies to Rick’s family.
Deb Reynolds says
Rick was a great manager of the WDT Bookstore. Always a smile on his face and willing to give a helping hand. May the memories help you through this difficult time. 🙏
Saundra Ewing says
An angel on earth, now an angel in heaven. Gonna miss my working buddy at WDT. Prayers to the family.
Rs says
Rennette and shad soo sorry for your loss.. my prayers and thoughts are with u and your family in such a sorrow time.. and ya go eagles as im from sidney .
Sandie Waldo Viall says
Sympathy to Rick’s family. My thoughts are with you. I am another cousin from one of those five brothers and indeed there were many family get together a in our growing up years. Rick was a great comic book fan and had a closet full of them. When we would visit the family in Sidney, all of us kids would head straight for his closet. Rick was a man to admire!
Bill Borchert says
Rick was a truly good friend, we grew up together, May he rest in peace,
Joyce Lorenzen says
I worked with Rick at WDT for many years. A great co-worker who went out of his way to help staff and students. Rick was easy to talk with professionally and as a friend . RIP Rick, you will be missed.
Darbie Karch and family says
Shadow and Rennette so sorry for your family’s loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Darbie Karch and family says
Sorry Shad my phone messed up your name. Wouldn’t let me erase it. Condolences to your family!
John Mercer says
My sincere condolences to all of Ricky’s family and friends. I love that picture of the ever-smiling Ricky, reminding me of Art, who patiently took me under his wing to advise me when I first started farming. Art and Irene were always proud to relate his success in the oil/seismo world (at that time). His bio reads somewhat like his Dad’s – ambitious, energetic, multi-talented, very competent, and always with a warm heart. Rest well Ricky – with a well-earned smile.
Rod Waldo says
I’m very saddened to hear my cousin Rick passed. We reconnected the past few years in spearfish and he would would meet me and my wife to have dinner and catch up on the past. He took us to his house on the river and gave us lessons on growing tomatoes and how he raised such great gardens. It must be a Waldo family trait, growing gardens.
I will miss our meetings in spearfish.
My condolences to his family.
Bev Huus says
I worked with Rick for many years at WDT as his backup in the bookstore. He was a very generous and caring co-worker. He was always doing whatever he could to help students be successful. So very dedicated! Rest In Peace Rick.
Kandi McMurtrey-Deering says
I am so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. Rick recruited me in the bookstore at WDT when I was a very lost, 40+ year old, first time college student. He helped me so much during my time there with guidance, support and true friendship. I will miss him dearly. My prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace Rick.
Anna Schmierer Nagle says
Our prayers are with your family with the loss of Rick. Rick grew up next door to my family in Sidney. He was friendly and well liked by all. He now is an angel with Barry, his mom and dad. Faith and memories help accept his passing. Anna Schmierer Nagle
Dawn says
So Sorry for your loss Shad. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Dawn Leidholt
Hardesty Real Estate
Danette & David Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss Shad and Rennette and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patsy Schmidt says
I was saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He was an asset to WDT, very friendly and hardworking, and it was an honor to know my fellow Montanan. Prayers and sympathy to the family.