Richard Raymond Reiss Jr., “Dick,” was the second child born to Richard R Reiss Sr and Edith May Reiss, born on September 11, 1939 in Canton Ohio.
At an early age, the family moved to Imperial Valley CA. At 17, the family returned to Canton Ohio where he attended McKinley High School. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1957 and served 5 years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. His tour of duty was extended one year (1961-1962) due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. During this time, Richard attended college in North Carolina, working on a degree in business administration. During his college years, he worked for Job Corp in the Great Smoky Mountains. Through that position, he was able to enter federal employment with the National Park Service. His first assignment was in Glacier National Park, working in the warehouse. From there, he transferred to Custer Battlefield National Monument (now Little Big Horn National Monument) as the administrative officer.
During this time, he met Jeanine and they married on May 24, 1974. With this union, the family became a unit of 6, including his two boys, Richard R Reiss III and James Allen Reiss and Jeanine’s two daughters Suzanne Marie and Rhonda Lynn Rader. Richard then transferred to Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown Virginia, working in property management. In 1975, the family moved to Woodbridge Virginia and Richard commuted to Washington DC, at the Department of the Interior headquarters, working in property management policy. In 1977, the family moved to Yellowstone National Park where Richard became the contracting officer.
In 1984, he resigned from the federal government, and pursued multiple entrepreneurial opportunities. He started a fur farm, raising mink, fox, and bobcats. He later operated a secondhand store in Livingston, MT. In 1997, he sold his businesses and moved with Jeanine to Helena MT, where she transferred with the US Forest Service as the budget officer. He hired on as a seasonal employee of the Forest Service working with recreation campground maintenance and compliance.
He retired in 2011 and spent his time enjoying outdoor activities including downhill skiing, golfing, ATV riding, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities, all involving his grandchildren and later his great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanine; 2 sons Richard R Reiss III (Christy) of East Helena, MT; and James Allen Reiss of Livingston MT; a daughter Suzanne Marie Carr (Mikel) of Vonore TN; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and 1 niece, Lisa Blackstone of Canton, OH. Richard is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, daughter Rhonda, two nephews, Charles and Richard Blackstone, and his sister Norma Jean Marshall.
Richard died at home with family by his side on December 23, 2023. A special thanks to St. Peter’s Hospice for the care and support they provided for Richard and his family. Please send any monetary memorial gifts in Richard’s honor to the American Cancer Society.
Please join the family for a Celebration of his life taking place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hannaford Street Bible Church, 830 N Hannaford St, Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 3, 2024
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N Hannaford St
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 3, 2024
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N Hannaford St
Helena, MT 59601
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Clarice St Clair says
Sending my deepest condolences to all the family. Richard had a heart of gold and was a wonderful neighbor. He will be missed.
Karyn Olsen says
I always loved seeing Dick at Radley where he was always picking up or taking care of things that his great-grandkids needed. I would also see him frequently at Great Divide skiing with those kids! He was a joy to talk to and always the most pleasant and friendly guy. He is remembered fondly. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Greg and Susan Egbert says
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was such a wonderful and giving individual. He was there for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to ski, golf, or four wheel with them. His strong Christian faith was his guide in life and we always loved his positive outlook on things. Dick will be missed by his family and his church family. Prayers and sincere condolences to Jeanine and all of Dick’s family. He is now safe in his loving father’s arms and can now spend eternity without pain or sickness.
Paul Andersen says
I had the privilege of skiing with Dick several times over the years. Never could keep up with him despite his age and that was a source of inspiration. I do not think I have met a better man with more genuine care and love for others, especially for youth. Dick will be missed I know by many, but never forgotten. His smile, energy, love and encouragement for others will be remembered and I am sure he is skiing some new powder in heaven with old friends who have gone before him. My condolences and prayers for the family he left behind.