Richard M. Green

Richard M. Green died May 24, 2021, in Missoula, Montana from post-surgical problems related to a fall.  He was born January 24, 1932 in Danbury, Nebraska to Wilma and Van Green.  Richard was the second child of four and the only son.  Van Green died when Richard was ten.  Wilma married Frank Kissell and this union produced another daughter, which rounded out the sisters to four.  Dick grew up mostly in and around Denver, Colorado.  After attending high school he served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict.  Following his service in the armed forces, he married Margaret Biberstien on October 22, 1955 at Christ The King Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado.  Their marriage produced  4 daughters, Kristina, Karolyn, Lisa, and Regina, and a son, Jay.  The couple had 22  grandchildren,  49  great-grandchildren, and  1  great-great-grandchild.  All of Richard’s siblings and descendants survive him.  The couple resided in Colorado and then in Montana for the rest of their married life.  In his productive career, Dick was an electrician, rancher, builder, realtor, business owner, and Montana state legislator.  This was what he did for 89 years, never really retiring.

What follows is an incomplete summary of the impact Dick Green had on the world.  He was a great son, brother, stepson, husband, father, and friend to many people.  His family was paramount and a source of pride to him year in and year out.  Dick’s marriage of 66 years to Margaret was truly an inspiration to anyone who witnessed it.  This union was the result of a very simple and pure love that spanned decades and was amazingly fruitful.  Dick and Margaret were devoted to each other, and put their efforts to a common goal of family endeavors that produced truly amazing results.  Dick was totally loyal to his family and although steadfastly strict, his affection for his “people” was constant.  He instilled many old fashioned principles of virtue in his children and together with Margaret produced a product truly to be proud of.  Each of his children was his favorite and to state so, in his opinion, was entirely honest.  Dick was very passionate about his work, family, country, and faith.  His view of right and wrong was very black and white.  He was completely unafraid of taking a stand by himself without regard to public opinion.  Suffering some health issues throughout his life, Dick was committed to a never say die attitude and lived his entire life that way.  He never gave up, never quit,  never  weakened.  He wasn’t always right but he was always the boss.  His mistakes were reconciled by God’s mercy, in which he had great faith and witnessed to with regularity.  Dick was very intelligent and used his intellect throughout his life to achieve amazing goals.  He had no time for self-consciousness and would immediately engage new friends at any opportunity.  He was incredibly optimistic and refused to be stymied be any obstacle.  No one but his wife and closest family members had to cheer Dick Green up.  In the end, he was a proud, energetic and resourceful man.  He took care of his family and loved his God and country.  May sound trite, but that was Dick Green.  That is why we all loved him.

A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021 at St. Francis Catholic Church.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Jim Connor as Celebrant.  Military honors will follow the service.  Private urn placement will be at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT.

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