Richard “Dick” Louis Christian, Sr.
On the afternoon of Monday, March 15, 2021, Dick passed away at home from natural causes. He was 81 years old.
Dick was born in Worcester, MA on March 17, 1939, and was the second of four children. He met and married Mary Louise Godbout after a whirlwind courtship on February 4, 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963, as a radioman/cryptographer aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Independence. He and Mary ultimately moved to Tiffin, Ohio, where he worked as a patrolman for the Tiffin Police Department, and as an EMT. They had three children, Rich, Rena, and Holly. Dick and Mary wanted a change, and in the summer of 1978, moved the family to Helena, MT, where he began a career with the State of Montana. He and Mary later divorced in 1988, and he relocated to Massachusetts to be near his siblings.
Shortly after arriving in Massachusetts, he met Lorraine White, and again a whirlwind courtship ensued, and they were married August 26, 1989. His love for the mountains was too strong, so they both retired and he and Lorraine moved to Montana the summer of 2003. They spent some of the best days of their lives touring the state and relishing in its beauty on and off road.
Dick loved family, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling. He belonged to jeep clubs in Ohio and Montana; and spent many days looking for the next hill to climb or obstacle to conquer. He loved to be the center of attention, had a BIG voice which commanded that, and ALWAYS had to have the last word. He was a practical joker and loved playing jokes and teasing his family and friends. Dick was also a talented woodworker and artist. He started his own woodworking business, Creative Woodcrafters while in Massachusetts, and made many fine pieces of furniture which he sold and gave to family. Lorraine, a talented artist as well, added her artistic paintings to many of the pieces they created that will be treasured by family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; mother, Lillia Chabot; brothers, David, Raymond; and granddaughter, Hanna Marie Christian.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Lorraine; sister, Aldea “Dee Dee” Dorsey (Mark); sister-in-law, Yvonne; son, Richard Jr. (Brenda); daughter, Lorena “Rena” Carlson (Larry Ligtenberg); daughter, Holly (Ryan Berry); step-daughters Joanne White, Marijean Acari (Vincent); grandchildren, Tommy Carlson (Raven Clark), Rachel Christian, Vanessa Simonton (Mike Brennan), Hunter Orphin, Ben Acari, great-granddaughter Kadence Christian; former spouse and lifelong friend Mary Christian; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, very dear friends, and his faithful little buddy “Bo Bo”.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside service with full military honors held Monday, March 22, 2021, 11:00 am at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, 1900 Williams St. Helena, MT 59602.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to VA Montana Medical Center staff at Fort Harrison for their exceptional care and service over the years, and a special thank you to caregiver Jaimi Phillips of Home Instead for your friendship and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a veteran service organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 22, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 22, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Michelle Van Nice says
Rena, Tommy and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Michelle Van Nice
Terri & Ben Norman says
Rena, Tommy, Mary, and Family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of loss. May you cherish the memories and find peace in those memories.
Elizabeth Pharr says
To the family,
Long ago in Tiffin, Dick lived next door. He always made you laugh. He spent time talking to my Dad Charlie over the fence. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Betsy Keller Pharr
Linda Kindrick says
To the family –
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn for and remember Dick. Kudos to the writer of his obit – it sounds like he really was a terrific man who loved his family with all he had.
Hang on to the good memories as they will carry you through this tough part of your journey.
God bless –
Linda Kindrick
Bob and Karen Berry says
Our condolences to all the family.
Bob and Karen Berry
Laura king says
Lorraine an family
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. As you go forward remember the good times you had together.
John an Laura King. From the Auxillary.
Rob Dunn says
My condolences to the family.
I knew Dick when he and family were my next door neighbor on Griffin Rd.
He was a good man and I enjoyed talking Jeep talk and other things with him.
really appreciated him when he would help me Round Up my horses after they got out.
Rob Dunn
Neal and Debbie Hurni says
Our condolences to Dick’s family. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Aldea Dorsey says
We’re all going to miss hearing your reply to how are you which always was” Damn near perfect” Give my love to mommy David and Raymond. I miss all of you so much. Rest easy. “Dee-Dee”