Paul Lee Rickman, 60, of Helena Montana, passed away unexpectedly on October 3rd, 2023.
Paul came into this world on June 30th, 1963, to Ron and Sandy in Butte, Montana and the world was his. His early years were spent growing up between Butte and Helena collecting treasures, getting into shenanigans and building lasting relationships.
Paul went to high school in Iowa and graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1981. He attended St. Ambrose University where he played as a tight end for the Fighting Bees. He graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Economics in 1985.
In 1988, Paul met the love of his life, Karen Campbell in Helena. Paul and Karen went on to have three beautiful, amazing daughters, Mikaela from a previous marriage, Elena, and Kristina. Paul was so proud to be surrounded by his beautiful women and they never had to question his love for them.
Paul lived for fishing, big game, fowl and shed horn hunting, hiking, sapphire mining, preparing/eating meats, floating the river and was a collector of countless treasures. His grandkids were his life and he cherished every moment spent with them. He started his first job at Lee Enterprises as a Press Operator, kickstarting a 38-year sales career. His career led him out of Montana, but the Mountains never stopped calling his name. A position with Insty Prints/Allegra in Helena, Montana made this dream come true. In 2008 Paul started working at Costco. His lifetime of experience made him a versatile and valued employee. While he enjoyed the various roles he fulfilled while at Costco, his true enjoyment came from his daily interactions with the customers he served and the coworkers he shared his day with. His zest for life was so immense, he truly lived life to the fullest.
He built a wonderful life of goofiness, belly laughs, adventure, and surrounded himself with the crème of the crop family and friends. There was never a person who wasn’t enthralled by his infectious personality.
Paul was predeceased by his beloved mother Sandra Heimark and many other cherished family members. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen and three children. Mikaela (Tim) children: Abigail, Lilyann, Samuel, Grace, and Charlie. Elena (Graham) child: Norman. Kristina (Joe) children: Sterling, Silver, and Steel. Parents, Ron & Tar Rickman, brothers Randy (Cindy), Todd (Sue), and Brent; and sisters, Wendy (Diana), Cindy (Tracy), and Michelle and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. And finally, his adventure buddy, Slater.
We find peace in knowing Paul has been called home to The Lord. Paul undoubtedly arrived to Heaven the same way he would return home from a day at work, or from a day enjoying the beautiful Montana wilderness, with a belly full of laughter and a heart full of love.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Peter’s Health Hospice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Noon
Wednesday October 11, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Noon
Wednesday October 11, 2023
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT
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Mary Bloom says
Larry and I are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers, and we hope you find comfort in cherished memories. Mary Bloom
Annette Baird says
Everything about Paul Rickman was big. He lived big, played big and loved big!! I’m so grateful that I got to work with Paul (and Karen) and could call him a friend. I’m sure going to miss that guy.
My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family, because — you got it— he’s left a big void with his passing.
Julie Patterson says
Love, hugs, and prayers to all of you. One of my fondest memories of St. Andrew School was the annual auction, and Paul was always in the middle of the “auction action,” looking for bidding numbers with a gigantic smile!
Sandy Lorenz says
God bless you all, the Rickman family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
The family of Sandy Lorenz
Linda Grady says
My cousin Paul was a goof from the day he was born. I remember him going 90 miles an hour in all directions, hardly stopping. I’m sorry for your loss Karen, Randy, Todd, Wendy and especially you Ron. It’s hard to lose our love ones so early.
My love to you all.
Linda Grady
Matthew Nugent says
Paul had a fun zest for the world, that he spread to everyone around him,n no matter how much he knew the person. I met Paul as a student manager for a sports team at Capital High School that his daughter Kristina played for, and he made even boring jobs fun by cracking jokes about things as trivial as the basketball stats or restocking the medical kit. One early morning away game, he got me a coffee just because I didn’t look awake ‘enough’,even though I was more than awake. I tried to pass that level of kindness on as well.
Paul was someone that you just couldn’t frown around. He literally lit up every room he was in, and cared deeply for those around him.
My heart goes out to the entire Rickman family, as they lost a huge rock and someone that anyone would have loved to have as thier guidance growing up.
Julie Massaro says
I met Paul back in 1987 Lamaze classes! Mikaela and my daughter were born 1 day apart. I loved seeing him during my trips to Costco. He was never to busy to stop and chat for a bit and catch up on what our girls were doing or how many grandkids we had! I was shocked to see of his passing. I pray for comfort for his family. He was a true gem.
Betty Blankenship says
I am sorry for your loss. May God bless the entire Rickman family!
Mike Lowney says
Dear Ron and Tar,
Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Thinking of you with love and prayers🙏
Mike& Dee Lowney
Mike Lowney says
Dear Ron& Tar,
We’re sending you and your family
our most heartfelt sympathy.
Thinking of you with love and
prayers🙏 Mike & Dee
Mike & Dee Lowney says
Sending all the Rickmans our most heartfelt sympathy.
Thinking of you with love and prayers. 🙏
Mike & Dee Lowney
Rog and Toni suemnick says
Bless Ron Tar and all of this big loving family.
Thank you for all the beautiful memories at the cabin.
Paul was a huge presence always and he kept the party rolling.. may your many happy memories comfort you and know he’s in that happy hunting ground!🙏
Richelle Depew says
I worked with Paul at Allegra, and later Karen, for many years. Paul was always a positive presence, even when things got stressful. He made each of us feel like we could handle anything. He was a great mentor to me. I remember his enthusiasm for celebrations and dressing up for Halloween and the Ugly Christmas sweater contests. My favorite memory is of tall Paul dressed as a PINK FLAMINGO going around town handing out Halloween treats to our Allegra clients! What a blast! I admired him for letting his three daughters paint his fingernails myriad colors. He was a generous man, who gave love freely and lived fully in the moment. My words cannot express my sympathy adequately to his family for his loss is too immense. I believe that he is moving on to a new adventure! But I will miss him. My love to all the Rickman family.
Doris Romanisko says
My heartfelt condolences to you Karen and the entire family. Paul was always so helpful when working with you at Allegra, the Galas, and later even I had questions at Costco.
Connie Arnold says
Paul, I will miss your happy face and big hugs when I go to Costco.
Maggi McKinnon Corbett says
Dear Ron, Tar and family, I have only just today learned of Paul’s death. There are no words to convey how sorry we are and can only hope that all your wonderful memories will help as you mourn your amazing son.
Paul’s memorial story of his life well lived and the comments from friends really convey his gifts selflessly shared with so many. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers and are at the ready if we can help in any way.
Sending love…
Maggi (McKinnon) and Tom Corbett