Elmer Eugene Richey, 89, passed away March 22,2021 at St. Peter’s Healthcare from complications of pneumonia. Elmer was born in 1932 in Highland, Illinois. He graduated from high school and joined the United States Air Force, serving in Japan during the Korean conflict. He then was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base in Great Falls, Montana. There he met the love of his life at the Flamingo Bar, Barbara Newman in 1954. They were married and were enjoying their 67th year of marriage.
Elmer was a person who should have had the opportunity to go to college…straight A student, and spent his entire life in the financial world. Unfortunately, college was not to be, but he made a success out of life, starting work at Douglas Wilson doing accounting. From there, he moved into the savings and loan business where he spent the rest of his ‘first’ career. After retiring from that, to keep busy, he started selling maps to schools for Rand McNally. His territory included Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Alaska. During his life, Elmer joined and participated in several charitable organizations, including Jaycees, Optimists, Elk Club, and Youth Basketball. He was also a 3rd degree Scottish Right Mason.
Elmer was an animal lover, always having dogs and cats, and even rescuing an abandoned cat at the Vantage, Washington rest stop. He liked to golf, and for many years, he and Barbara were RV’ers, traveling to warmer places in the winter.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Doris and Edith. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara, his son Mark & Nami in Japan, his daughter Karen & Jack in East Helena, his brother Donald of Pocatello, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, grandchildren Aaron of Wyoming, Chad of Colorado, Sean Kai and Kent of Tokyo and Casey of East Helena. Elmer had six great grandchildren Layne, Gavin, Olivia, Jude, Holden and baby Jackson. He is also survived by his 4- legged buddy, Tank.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests memorial donations go to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society.
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