On April 4, 2021 John Hugh Risken, Jr., found serenity in Helena. John was born June 30, 1955 at St. John’s Hospital (Helena) and was a proud son of the Queen City of the Rockies all of his 65 years. He also lived for a time in Missoula and loved his Grizzlies! John had a big presence, was generous, loved to laugh, tell stories, joke and be with his family and friends. And John always had an opinion for you, whether you needed it or not!
Following service as a military policeman in the U.S. Army (Stuttgart and Manheim, Germany) John began a career in both law and regulatory enforcement. His favorite post was as a Lewis & Clark Co. deputy sheriff, making many good friends amongst his colleagues. The stories were endless. John also enjoyed careers with the State of Montana in liquor and gambling regulation (Missoula), real estate sales (Missoula and Helena) and with the Montana Dept. of L & I, from which he retired just last May. John loved to hunt, fish, golf when it was sunny and just relax and visit. He was a voracious reader.
More than anything John was the proud father of Jennifer Michelle, teaching her to hunt and fish, attending school programs and events and most recently encouraging, cheering and boasting about Jenny’s accomplishments in the United States Navy. In 2017 he was her guest on a “tiger cruise” on the USS Makin Island from Honolulu to San Diego, the last leg of Jenny’s second Persian Gulf deployment. John also spent Christmas 2019 with Jenny in Sigonella, Sicily, Italy. They talked almost daily; she was his world.
John is survived by his daughter Jennifer, NAS Sigonella, brother Pat (Shari, Jack) of Helena, Norwegian and Irish cousins far and wide and many good friends. We will miss him terribly. He requested (demanded?) no funeral, memorial, eulogy or obit (oops). John loved animals so, if the spirit moves you, a donation to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society would be terrific.
The family thanks you all for your kind thoughts at this difficult time. Remember John with a smile as he was always delighted to see you.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Mary Kay & George Bennett says
I’m sad, really sad.
We were friends with John’s parents…Blanche & John adored their sons. I still remember the kids playing in the front yard next to the Hughes home. So long ago but never forgotten.
John, say hello to your folks when you get to heaven & May you Rest In Peace. Thanks for the time you spent making this world a better place.
Marilyn Kelly-Clark & Dennis Clark says
We are shocked and so sorry to see that John has passed. We worked with him at DLI during his time there. John was a great guy, a character, who always had a sense of humor and good stories to tell. He was so proud of his daughter Jennifer, talked about her often and told us about his naval adventure with her, said it was one of the best times ever. Though I never knew him in High School, he graduated a year ahead of me and jokingly referred to me as “74”. He was a wonderful man and gone way too soon. Our sincere sympathy to his daughter Jennifer, brother Pat, and all his family and friends.
Sherri L Anderson says
I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I had the pleasure of working with John at L & I for a number of years. He truly was a gentle giant. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He is going to be missed by so many people. My prayers to all of his family
Carolyn K Pelletier says
I’m very sorry to read of John’s passing. He was always kind. He was a gentle giant and will be missed.
Ann Power Scherner says
I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a warm, funny and caring man and our family enjoyed spending time with him. My heart goes out to your family with thoughts and prayers. John will be missed.
Philip Howeth says
Saddened and shocked to read of John’s passing, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Pat.
Rick Bartos says
To John’s Family
John and I were born the same year, in Saint John’s Hospital and graduated together from high school. I always knew he was a Saint and that hospital was named for him. John was a decent, fun person in school, always supportive of his classmates and appreciated his teachers. I did not see John again until 2016 when I represented a client needing assistance from a state office and John was an investigator. I got a tap on my shoulder and it was John, after all these years. In a short while we were talking about 1973 our graduation year. Jennifer, I know you are very sad but proud of your Dad, always the professional, kind and soft spoken person we had the privilege to know. When you drive by that old hospital next time, I hope it puts a smile on your broken heart.
Tim & Connie Ferriter says
We are very sorry to hear John has passed away! I feel very honored to say John was my friend ! We met at CRA in first grade Mrs. Klocklers class and became lifetime buddies! John was loyal and always had your back! That can not be said about to many people Big John was that guy! RIP John god bless you my friend you will be missed! Our prayers are with Pat and the Risken family!
Bill Hughes says
I was saddened to read of John’s death. I immediately began to have many happy memories of growing up together from playing ball in the front yard, shooting hoops in the back, climbing Mount Helena, to playing golf together in high school. They will always be with me and remind me fondly of John. May God welcome John home with open arms and bless Pat, Jennifer, and all his family and friends with mercy, grace, and comfort. Well done good and faithful servant.
Don and Diana Ferriter says
I’ve been friends with John since grade school. He always had a smile on his face and was glad to see his friends. He always spoke highly of his family and proud of their accomplishments. He was very proud of his brother Pat. We’re very sorry to hear of his passing and our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
God Bless You!
Don and Diana Ferriter
Paddy Ferriter says
Dearest Pat and family, I worked in the same building as John before he retired and saw him quite often. He was a gentleman with a booming laugh and big smile. Always kind. I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Love and Blessings , Paddy Ferriter
Anna says
Shari, with sincere condolences; thinking of you.
Stephen MacDonald says
My first permanent duty assignment was with the 545th MP Platoon, stationed at Stuttgart Army Airfield. Being from small town (St. Regis) Montana I was nervous when the senior guys started discussing who was going to room with the FNG. I heard someone ask, “Where you from?” I responded, “Montana.” I then heard a simple but firm, “He’s mine!” That is how I met and became friends with John. We were friends, roomies and squad mates until John finished his tour. John was and to me will always be one of my favorite people. Sharing the bond of the Big Sky made being away from home so much more bearable and might I add, fun.
I have so many good feelings and great stories about John. He will always be a big part of my life’s story, which has been enriched by his friendship. My heart goes out to Jennifer, Pat and the rest of his family. John may have left but lives on in my heart.
Kasey McNulty says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. What a terrific human being! I met John when I got into Real Estate in 1999. He always had a smile and great conversation! Prayers for his daughter, I never met you but he sure did love you! Kasey Kelly-McNulty
Brint Wahlberg says
Back in his real estate days, with RE/MAX in Missoula John and I were good friends. We had offices just down the hallway from each other and he was always ready to share hilarious stories and events with me whenever we had a moment to chat. John would always lend a hand where needed, he helped me paint my first house, and was already ready on the call if needed. Likewise, he helped teach me the importance of being there for others when needed. I remember helping him move once, and was literally just today recalling today a time where I helped him when he was having car troubles. He always had a great smile and was just fun to be around. He loved Jenny with all his heart and I remember him proudly telling me her first words were “ewww, bobcats”. RIP my friend
Tom Mellor says
Not much more to say about him, Pat. Simply a really good guy. I’m sorry to have not seen him in such a long time. Let’s share some stories in Missoula next time. Mellor
Marilyn Connor says
I was lucky enough to go to school with John and then worked with him when he sold real estate at our office. Jennifer, he talked about you almost everyday – he loved you to the moon! You were one lucky girl yo have him as a dad ! So sorry to hear about his passing.
Mark Twite says
John was pure of heart, his word was gold.
I am proud to say he was my friend.
We shared many stories and jokes back when we worked together at Re/Max.
We were both broke so when one of us had a closing it was nothing to loan the other a few bucks until the other had a closing. It wasn’t much but it meant a lot to both of us at the time.
He was a good man. Always willing to help out.
Jenny was his world, he loved to take her fishing up Rock Creek.
Gone too soon.
Mark Twite
Brian Donovan says
I knew John from the time when we were both young kids in Helena. His Dad (Jack) and my Dad went to law school in Missoula together and our parents were friends in Helena from the early 1950s onward. John and I hung out a lot when we were quite young, and then had a lot of good times together at the golf course as teenagers. He always struck me as someone whose values were of the old school — rock solid integrity and very little tolerance for nonsense (though that’s probably not the word he would have used to to describe “nonsense”). And a great sense of humor, like his Dad. Gone way too soon! Most sincere sympathies to Pat, Jennifer and all John’s many friends.
Elaine Tuffli says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I thought John was a kind sweet man. You always waited for something kinda smartass to come through for a great laugh. You all take care, hugs and prayers your way, Pat , Shari and rest of family. He is a angel now.
Diana Miller says
John was a part of my life for 20+ years. He had lots of stories that in turn, holds many memories for me. Montana has lost a loyal son… Fondly,
Diana (formerly Risken) Miller