William Richard “Rick” Willson, age 63, of Miles City passed away at home on Saturday, November 23, 2013 of an apparent heart attack with his wife Dolores by his side.
Rick was born in Miles City on July 10, 1950, the 6th child of Norman H. Willson Sr. and E. Marie (Roberts) Willson. He was raised on the family ranch in the Pine Hills east of Miles City, Montana. He attended grade school in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School with the class of 1968. At the age of 16, Rick lost his mother and was forced to board, first with the Fred Bement family and then Mary Hardy while finishing High School. To continue his education at Miles Community College, he moved in with the Rose Waldo family. It was at this time that he began to seek God and found Him in the life of Rose and her children, and he made his choice to follow in the footsteps of his Dear Savior, Jesus Christ. In June of 1969, Rick married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Meidinger, with whom he shared this precious faith until his last breath.
For the next several years, starting with Reynolds, Rick worked in the grocery business and learned the meat cutting trade, although his lifelong love of architecture found him going back to Montana State University for the third time and finishing a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. Because of his love of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, he visited many of the famous buildings he designed. Rick and Dolores moved back to Miles City in 1999 when he was offered the position as the Miles City Building Official for the Engineering Dept. Three years later, he opened up Willson Meat Processing LLC, continuing to process wild game until his death. He also started Willson Inspections, doing lot inspection surveys for the title companies and construction progress inspections for financial institutions, all the while developing properties on his own. Rick had spent his last day with Dolores, first doing an inspection survey in Ekalaka, then another in Miles City, before working in his meat shop where he became ill. Rick was an avid cook as can be attested by his many friends and relatives.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Lee and Jack, a sister Barb Hardy, nephews Wade Hardy and Robby Willson, father-in-law Elmer Meidinger and best friend Rose Waldo. Rick is survived by his wife Dolores, three daughters: Jennifer (Tristan) Henke, Jody (Andrew) Palmer and Jolene (Clay) Dunlap; grandsons Logan Henke and Jameson Palmer, granddaughter Taylor Henke, and a grandson on the way. He is also survived by two brothers: Norman (Laura Jane) and Jim (Annalise) of Miles City, MT; two step-brothers: Mike (Yvonne) Niles of Billings, MT and Dave (Chelle) Willson of Miles City, MT; two aunts: Onalee Willson of Casper, Wyo. and Geri (Norman) McKeen of Columbus, MT and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close friends Cole Waldo and Kolleen Forsyth, as well as his spiritual family all over the world.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2013 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Engineering Department at Montana State University or the Custer County Food Bank.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 30, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 30, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Kolleen Waldo Forsyth says
Our prayers are with you, Dolores, your family and Rick’s siblings during this difficult time. We have valued our friendship with both of you for many years and were glad we could renew that friendship in June. His spirit will not be forgotten.
Ron & Judy Frasch says
Our hearts are heavy and thinking of your family. We’re glad that Rick lived for more than what this life offers and we are glad for his influence on our own lives. Our love and care.
Arlene and JDennis Corbin says
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for God’s comforter during this time
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of William Richard Willson – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Willson. It was not God’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled causing God’s “will to be done as in Heaven also upon Earth“ (Matt 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a better future (John 17:3).
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
Dolores and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Rick has been a good friend for a long time. Being one of Rose’s (Waldo) kids has kept us close. Our love and prayers.
Clyde Leischner says
Delores and family, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. My prayers are for your strength and shelter that only our Lord can provide during this time. Take comfort in His love.
Lori Nicks says
Delores and family,
May your friends and faith help you during this time. It is such a shock to lose someone so close. Praying for comfort and healing from our creator and keeper of our memories.
Woitkielewicz Family says
From my family to yours we are sorry for the loss of such a great man. I may have not known Rick long but have spent many hours this year working with Rick in the meat shop this man has touched many hearts during his years of service in the shop. He taught me some real good lessons in life this year. He will never be forgotten!
AnneMarie Wallette says
Dolores,
Prayers are being uplifted for you. Praying that you will find some comfort in knowing Rick is with the Lord and you will be reunited one day.
Mallorey Vera says
Dolores,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Rick was such a great person and I was so honored and blessed to have gotten to know him over the years. Peace to you and your family. God Bless!!
Ron & Connie Watts says
Delores,
We are so sorry for the untimely loss of Rick. May you find some peace by turning to our Lord for comfort. God’s blessings on you and your family.
Jason & Andrea Sibble says
Delores. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. We feel blessed to have known Rick and he will be missed greatly. Such a wonderful guy who will not be forgotten.
Roselae Babcock says
Rick’s passing was a surprise to hear. Delores, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss, also for Rick’s brother and extended family. We feel comfort in knowing Rick lived for the joy beyond natural death,; a life with no sorrow, pain, tears a life with no end.
Wayne & Nancy Denowh says
Our sincere sympathy Dolores to you and your family. May God’s love surround you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Tim & Kathy Waldo says
Our deepest condolences on Rick’s passing.
I have fond memories of when he boarded with us as a young college student. He had an obsession with shooting 100 continuous basketball free throws on some evenings weather permitting all winter. I was the popular one persuaded to be the rebounder. It was a great stress reliever for him and good exercise for both.
May the Lord find him in good standing and comfort your family.
Kay Baxter says
So sorry for your loss. Rick will be missed by many.
Cindy and Tom Erickson says
Jennifer, Tristan, Logan, Taylor and Willson Family…We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We want you to know that we are thinking of you during this time and always. Please take care and call if you need anything. Cindy, Tom and Family
Carlene Root says
Dolores, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I just went through this two weeks ago when my husband passed. You and your family will be in my prayers. Take Care. Carlene (Aastrom) Root.
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
I cannot imagine your grief and yet the Peace one has knowing their loved one is in wrapped in the Arms of Jesus. My Condolences to all of the Family and Friends.
Meidinger Family of Terry says
Delores and Family: Know that he is with our Heavenly Father and we will see him again! Our sincere thoughts and prayers to you and yours…
Sincerely,
Meidinger Family of Terry
Marie Farnum Kluver says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You.
Marie
D'Ona Hardy Pierce says
I love you guys sorry I could not make it. My heart is there with you!