Rick was born in Roundup, Montana on May 12, 1954, to Vernie "Bunny" and Thamar S. "Ike" Mart nine weeks premature joining a sister Donna. The family lived in Winnett and Lewistown before moving to Jordan when Rick was in the 5th Grade. He attended Jordan Elementary and graduated from Garfield County High School in 1972. Rick helped build a feedlot in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, worked for Schennum Construction, Dayle Hains-Jordan Construction and attended Miles Community College before coming back to Jordan to work for Garfield County Bank and Jordan Insurance Service on December 1, 1975. Rick spent the next 36 years providing customers with a level of service second to none. He has been a member of the board of directors of Garfield County Bancshares, serving as secretary since 1991. He was co-founder of Hell Creek Recreation and was a member of the Hell Creek Cabin Association and the Fort Peck Cabin Association. He served on numerous boards in the insurance industry. Rick was very dedicated. Dedicated to work, dedicated to service, and dedicated to community. Rick dedicated 35 years of service to Garfield County with the Garfield Ambulance Service, including 19 years as Secretary/Treasurer. He served nearly as many years with the Jordan Volunteer Fire Department and the Fireman´s Relief Association. He served with Search and Rescue and was Treasurer for the last 15 years. He was active in the Jaycees until they disbanded, served as a director of the Commercial Club for a number of years, a member of Walleyes Unlimited, and a promoter of Garfield County Business through the merchant´s "Association." He was one of the founders of Town and Country Customer Appreciation Day.
Rick enjoyed spending time at the lake in the cabin he shared with friends Robert and Sheila Johnson. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, snowmobiling, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Garfield County meant everything to Rick. In 2012, Rick received the distinguished service award for the betterment of Garfield County.
Rick is survived by his wife, Pohney Murnion-Mart of Jordan, MT; five step-children: Nicole (John) Graham of Lusk, WY; Amber (Steve) Erlenbusch of Billings, MT; Gerard (Elisa) Murnion of Laurel, MT; Ryan Murnion (Fiancé Randee Birkeland) of Jordan, MT; and Richard (Angie) Murnion of Billings, MT; twelve step grandchildren: Jake, Collette, Tristan, Julianne & Riley Graham; Kyle, Abby & Sophia Erlenbusch; Libby, Katie & Charlie Murnion; and Kage Murnion; a niece, Lynn (Ben) Rodriguez of Santa Cruz, CA; nephews: Doug (Diane) Jenni of Reno, NV; Craig (Mary) Jenni of Watsonville, CA; and Roger (Cindy) Jenni of Las Vegas, NV; a brother-in-law, Olind (Liz) Jenni of Los Gatos, CA; aunt Velma (Carl) Harbaugh of Jordan, MT; and uncle Pearl (Virginia) Mart of Meridian, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents Ike and Bunny and a sister, Donna.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Garfield County High School Gymnasium in Jordan. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Garfield Ambulance Service, Search and Rescue or anything to a local charity.
Service Schedule
Visitation
13:00 to 18:00
Wednesday April 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home - Jordan
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
11:00
Thursday April 19, 2012
Garfield County High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT 59337
Service Schedule
Visitation
13:00 to 18:00
Wednesday April 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home - Jordan
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
11:00
Thursday April 19, 2012
Garfield County High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT 59337
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Bonnie Bischoff says
Blessed Shepherd, guard and keep the memories of Rick in the lives of those who shared his life and loved him.
Nedra Drew says
So sorry to hear about Rick. Had no idea he was this sick. Am so glad he and Pohney spent his last 6 months together. I know how special she was in his life and how proud he was of her..
Carol Rath Raschkow says
To Doug, Craig, Pohney, Velma and all of Rick’s family, Rick was a dear friend of our family since I can remember. Of course Bunny and My Gramma were friends as well as my Mom and Dad. We had so many wonderful times at Mom and Dad’s with dinners and get togethers, and in college , Diane and I lived 2 doors down from Rick so we were together a lot. He was always willing and ready to help out anyone who needed it and never asked anything of anyone except to just be his friend. There are not many people like Rick in this world and I will miss him forever. God be with all of you as you mourn his loss.
Clint and Deb Thomas & Family says
We will miss your smiling face at the lake.
Byron Winter says
I appreciate all Rick did for Jordan and will never forget him coming to Dad’s funeral last year in Lemmon SD, not an easy drive. I was so sorry to hear about his passing.
Jo Coldwell Smith says
I was so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a nice guy, always had a smile and a joke. You are all in my htoughts and prayers as you go through this time. ~ Jo
Mary Denowh says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Ralph and Sally Lehner says
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We did not realize he was so sick. Rick was a great guy! Had a lot of good times with him. Never a dull moment with him around! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mark and Teresa Hougardy says
So sorry for your loss. He was such a neat guy. Town won’t be the same. Remember the good times you had. And keep our Lord in your faith. After lossing one to cancer, its not easy, but they have no more pain.
Connie Blonigen says
Rick was one of a kind! I have many memories of working with him on the ambulance service in Jordan and of fun times spent at his lake cabin! Rest easy, Rick!
Lori Wheatcroft says
My deepest sympathy goes to all the family. I didn’t realize he was so sick. When I was in high school, Rick was always a happy go lucky guy. He was a rock to the community.
Amber Knight says
My thoughts a prayers go out to Ricks family.
Connie Hains Urick says
It is hard to imagine not having Rick “around”. My thoughts and prayers are with Phoney and all of Rick’s family and friends.
Howard Shawver and family says
I am very saddened to here of Rick passing on. My dad done a lot of work for Rick and as a kid growing up I got in on helping. Rick will be greatly missed in the community.
Bill and Janet Sherer says
We will miss seeing Rick walking down the street in Jordan. He always had a smile and comment for everyone he met on the street. Bill and I will miss him alot. Go in peace Rick and walk with the Lord forever.
ROXIE DAVIS says
I am so sorry to hear about Rick. He was a special person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this sad time.
Jackie Currey says
Rick was a “one of a kind” fellow. God just didn’t make them any better than him. I’m sure he will be ready and willing to help God out with any “organizing” that needs done. I will miss him… very thankful to have had him in my life. My prayers go out to Rick’s family in this most difficult time.
J.D. And Mary Alice MUrnion says
So sorry for you loss.
Ruby Burney says
Lane & Whitney Billing says
We are very sorry for your loss. Rick was a very special person. We consider ourselves lucky that we happened to see him a few weekends ago. Our thoughts are with his family.
Beth Ann (Brown) Hodgskiss says
Dear Pohney, Just want you to know how much I am thinking of you and your family at this very hard time. Its heartbreaking to say goodbye to a loved one, and it sounds like Rickey was a wonderful, fun, man. I’m praying for you, that you will feel God’s presence at this sad time. With Sympathy, Beth Ann
Tom & Miriam Wilson says
We will miss Rick at the lake, he was a good friend.
William Ryan says
Rd Gass says
Leslie Manning says
Marian Kreitel says
Pohney and all. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there for the funeral, but I have used up all my leave in the last year and a half while being with Mom in her fight with cancer. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Marian
Diana Saunders says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have really enjoyed visiting and working with Rick over the years as his Montana Farm Underwriting here in Kansas. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Diana Saunders, FAMI
Bud Baldwin says
I am so sorry to hear of my good friend Rick’s illness and passing.I served with Rickey a number of years on the Big I Agent Association board.He was always a pleasure to be around and will truly be missed by all.
Robin Nelson says
Rick was a very special person to many people. He had a smile for everyone, a kind word, a funny comment to share, and a way of showing all of us how to treat our fellow humans while his eyes twinkled in fun. Keep everyone in heaven organized Rick and enjoy your walk and talk with God.
Dan Ensey & Kellie Clifton says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. You will be greatly missed.
Tom Grau says
One of our agent’s association stalwarts and a great friend. I will miss Rick’s quick wit and smile. He’s gone to a better place where I’m sure he’s trying to volunteer also!! Good bye to my friend. Tom
Jo Ryan says
Pohney and the Mart Family,
So sorry about your loss. I won’t make the funeral, but I will be there in thoughts and prayers. I don’t have any time left for time off.
Thinking of you at such a hard time. Lots of memories of Rick from high school. He was the town taxi in those days. He always helped everyone even back then.
Chris Hoiness says
Rickey was one of this earth’s finest human beings. He was an outstanding leader, dedicated insurance professional and is leading us on above…our deepest sympathy to the entire family and community.
Chris and Tracy Hoiness
Billings, Montana
Mary Jo Dooley says
Rick was a special person. I enjoyed working with him thru the years. I was saddend to hear he lost his battle with cancer. I don’t know any words to ease your pain but may you find comfort in your loving memories and the caring of friends.
Kathey Bengtson says
I am so saddened to hear Rick has passed away. Rick was one of the first agents I worked with when I took over claims in Montana 3 yrs. ago. He always called me early a.m.and showed sincere concern for all of his clients. We are thinking of you at this sad time and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
Rhonda Losinski says
I will miss Ricks smile when he came to the bar. And all the good good times at the lake. I will be thinking about you when MaryPat,Tom and I are fishing at the ladys fishing day
Connie Genger says
My sympathy to Rick’s family. I knew him for years and always admired his dedication to the industry and professional associations. A good man is gone.
Bob Biskupiak says
Rickey will be missed by everyone that knew him. His contributions to the insurance industry and the Independent Insurance Agents Association was invaluable. Rickey was a true friend and I will remember him as one of the most honest and caring people ever.
A scholarship fund has been established through the Montana Insurance Education Foundation to help carry on Rickey’s legacy. He will be missed.
Bob Biskupiak
Kevin and Margaret Winter says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were so pleased to see Rick at my Dad’s funeral last fall. So sorry.
Kevin and Margaret