Richard Philip Proulx, the first born son of Victor & Bertha (Sangray) Proulx was born on February 10, 1930. He passed peacefully in Helena on November 7, 2016 with his children by his side.
Bud lived life to the fullest, starting with childhood in Great Falls, Augusta and Helena. He attended schools in Helena, and it was in his early grade school years that he met that pretty little girl named Patricia, who eventually would become the love of his life. He continued through high school and into the military.
His military career took him from the National Guard to the Army to the Airforce, where he learned the diesel repair trade. While in the Air Force, he was assigned to such places as Newfoundland, where he made many friends and memories. He would always talk about his time there and remember it fondly.
When he finished his service, he returned to Helena and found that pretty little girl, Patricia Fletcher. They were married in 1960 and that’s when they started on their life adventures. He worked construction and other projects, including work on the Canyon Ferry Dam and the Clark Canyon Reservoir. One could say he was a jack of all trades and even stepped into the teaching field where that earned him the nickname “Dr. Diesel”. He was pretty fond of that nickname!
In 1978 he moved his family, which at this time included 4 daughters and a son, from Great Falls to Helena and together they opened R&R Diesel Repair. The shop that they built is his lasting legacy and still continues to operate today with his children and grandchildren at the helm. He never really “retired” because he loved coming to the shop on Fridays for lunch, to see his employees and former customers and to make sure that everything was still running smoothly. The smile on his face while there was priceless.
Bud & Pat would travel around the northwest showing off their beloved 1957 Pontiac, and he loved to tell the stories of that car and what it meant to them. He was a member of the Helena Street Rodders and Capital Carriages Car Clubs as well as the Capital City Towing Association and valued the many friendships made while attending shows and club meetings.
He was preceded in death by the one true love of his life, wife Patricia, with whom he spent 55 loving years, his parents, brothers Vic Jr. & Bobby. He leaves behind his children, Patsy (Tasha) & Robert Personette; Larie & John Williams; Rich & Susan Proul; Yvonne & Gary Hufford, and Anita Proul, all of Helena. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Ronald (Nadene), and sisters Blanche Proulx & Roberta Warf.
The family would like to thank his caregivers at Touchmark, whom he affectionately referred to as his girls and also Big Sky Care Center, especially Kiela (Red) who took such great care of him. We would also like to thank Celeste and the crew at Frontier Hospice for their comfort and care.
Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 13th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. The Family will be welcoming friends to join them for a prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. on Monday, November 14th at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave in Helena. Rite of Committal, with Military Honors, will follow the Mass at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the Rite of Committal at Jorgenson’s Restaurant. Memorials in Bud’s name are suggested to Frontier Home Health & Hospice, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday November 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Prayer Service
5:00 p.m.
Sunday November 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday November 14, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday November 14, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Monday November 14, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday November 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Prayer Service
5:00 p.m.
Sunday November 13, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday November 14, 2016
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Monday November 14, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Monday November 14, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Rose Baker Hardman & family says
The Baker and Hardman families are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Buddy was ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS known by all who crossed his trail, he,ll keep everything running up there .God Bless…………………………………
Allen/Glenda
Nick Thomas says
Sure going to miss that old guy who was at the shop when you would come in, and weather you wanted to or not, he’d have about two or 18 stories to tell. 🙂 Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Bill Moore formerly from carquest says
great guy heck of a story teller enjoyed visiting with him
Diane Personette says
My love and thoughts are with you and your family at this tough time, God bless you!!
Jacalyn Laverdiere says
I am very sorry for your loss Proulx family. My first thought was, “Bud wanted to spend the holidays with his beloved Pat.” My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jackie
Denise says
Will miss him at Jorgenson’s !!
Laura Hildenstab says
Bud and I shared a “birthday month” and we always told each other happy birthday. We enjoyed visiting with he and Pat. Rich and Susan and family, please know that he will be missed by many and fondly remembered.
Laura and Jim Hildenstab
Julie Thomas Hintz says
Rich and Susie, so sorry to read about your Dad. You are in my thoughts.
Ashley Jensen says
I took care of Bud during his stay at Touchmark assisted living and always found joy in bringing a smile to his face. I would bring him coffee as often as I could and he always loved it and wanted to know my “secret” into making it so good. I also would give him back scratches because he loved having his back scratched. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss going to visit him. What a great guy he was! My prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace with his wife Pat.
~squeaky