Richard “Dick” Morgan passed away unexpectedly December 3, 2014, while vacationing in one of his favorite places, Kona, Hawaii. He was born on January 8, 1954 in St. Maries, Idaho to Robert S. and Catharine A. Morgan. The family moved to Helena while he was in elementary school. He graduated from Helena High School in 1972 and from the University of Montana in 1976.
Dick started his banking career while in high school at the Union Bank in downtown Helena. His banking experience included bank examiner for the State of Montana, auditor and commercial loan officer for the First Security Bank of Missoula, Vice President/Cashier for Valley Bank of Helena.
Dick was very proud of helping to found Mountain West Bank in Helena, and assisting in its growth and development into a well-respected, solid Montana banking institution in several communities in Montana. He was loved and respected throughout the communities he worked in with the bank and its branches; especially the very many people he came into contact with in Helena – he always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he encountered.
Dick knew the community and its residents well and enjoyed living in Helena. He was very involved in the community and over the years had served in a variety of positions for community-based charitable organizations. At the time of his death, he was serving on the boards of Westmont, the Westmont Foundation and The Angel Fund. In the past he worked with many nonprofit organizations that benefited the community. He had a love for animals and worked on many projects that promoted animal well-being.
He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, hiking through the south hills trails, and helping his neighbors whenever he could. Dick enjoyed hosting friends and family at gatherings at his home. He was an avid supporter of local businesses, and was always happy to see new businesses open in historic downtown.
His passing will leave a void in the Helena community and his cheerful, helpful, sharing presence will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his brother Doug (Sandy) Morgan of Helena, sisters Gail (Dave) Barney of Butte and Cathy (Frank) McCall of Helena; nieces and nephews Shawn, Dean, Darcy and Derek Morgan; Teresa and Mark Barney; Conner, Keegan and Kalen McCall.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11th at the Gateway Center 1710 National Avenue, Helena. A Reception will immediately follow at the Gateway Center. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to West Mont Foundation, 2708 Bozeman Ave, Helena, MT 59601 or to the Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604 or the charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dick.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
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Lisa McCarthy says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. I’m glad to know that Catherine and Charlie are there to welcome him .
Bob Morgan says
I don’t think I ever saw Dick without a big smile on his face and a sincere warm welcome. Truly one of the most kind, gentle and caring people I have known. Rest in peace, Dick. I am sad you left us so soon.
Dan Lamphere says
To my dear and close comrade, Dick Morgan, thank you for all your many kindnesses to me and your deep and sincere friendship. My life is certainly richer having known you. I will miss you so very much.
To the family and friends of Dick Morgan, his passing leaves a tremendous void in our lives. Although the pain of losing Dick will always be there in some degree or another, we will have our memories to comfort us and hopefully fetch a smile to accompany the tears.
And Dick, don’t forget – give Charlie (the “Chuck-Meister”) a big hug for me when you see him.
Much love, my friend.
Connie Vergine says
It is indeed a very sad day for the community of Helena to lose such a fine individual. Everyone who knew Dick was treated with such kindness and genuine friendship, that we all felt we were a friend. His interest and concern were always genuine. His generous nature was a gift to all that knew him. His love for animals was obvious, and his little dog Charlie probably had a big kiss for him in heaven, when he arrived. Dick was a neighbor, friend of Angel Fund, and a man who gave his best to all that knew him. He is gone too soon. My prayers and deepest sympathy to his family, cheirished friends, neighbors, and former colleagues in the banking world. I think his retirement was cruelly taken away before he had a chance to enjoy it.
Michael Reardon says
I will miss you greatly my dear friend. Thank you for enriching my life.
May the Angels now lead you into Paradise.
With my prayers and sympathy for your family.
Michael Reardon, San Francisco
Marcia K Wall says
Dick Morgan ~ A true friend! In 2003, Dick became a Board member of The Angel Fund and life changed forever! Before that, we were friends but didn’t know Dick well except he was always friendly, welcoming and kind when entering Mountain West Bank! If there was a question on Angel Fund’s account or my personal account, Dick was Quick to remedy the problem and find the solution. His banking and financial expertise were his legacy but how he treated others was his trademark.
Dick was an extremely active board member! He was chairman of the Board for many years but mostly recently secretary/treasurer. Angel Fund needed a visionary and he filled that slot with grace and intellect! We strive each school year to help more children in need yet maintain financial stability and balance. We did that under Dick’s careful mentoring and expertise.
Growing up with my sisters was a gift! Meeting Dick and becoming his friend was another gift! He was the kid brother I never had! We enjoyed our fun “bantering” and “humor” over the years! I could walk into his office at the Bank and sit down for an hour and talk about anything! He knew my heart! Dick consoled me when I lost my son Cleve this past June and checked on me almost daily offering words of encouragement and sympathy. His heart was enormous; a true friend to all that knew him especially animals.
Dick, Jeff Lovely and I would lunch often and have dinner together! We called ourselves the 3 musketeers! Jeff and Dick floated the Missouri River this fall on the same stretch of river where Cleve drowned (while fly fishing) and they promised to take me on a float next summer to experience the “Mighty Mo” where Cleve loved to raft and fly fish along with his dogs Syd and Deuce.
So many fond memories of a good man! He loved life, was always positive and kind, unwavering in times of stress, possessed an incredible sense of humor and quick wit and had a smile and hug when you needed it most. Dick Morgan was loved and admired and I’m honored that I was part of the “usual suspects” in his life! I loved Dick, my friend, mentor and brother! I will miss him for eternity! I thank God for his almost 61 years on earth and changing my life forever! He touched my soul. I know he is with his beloved dog Charlie walking the trails in Heaven. Good bye dear friend! My deepest condolences are with his brother, sisters, nieces and nephews and extended family. Your parents raised a remarkable son ~ always the gentleman with impeccable manners. The community of Helena lost a great friend. God Bless you Dick! Aloha . . . until we meet again!
Love, Marcia xo
Jane LaMoure says
My heart is aching as an amazing human being has left us far too soon. Dick was my next door neighbor for 13 years and he would do anything for anyone and everyone. The neighborhood and community have lost a wonderful gentleman. I will miss seeing Dick and his big smile. I know I am a better person for have known him. My sincerest sympathy to his family and friends. May you RIP my friend knowing that you touched the lives of so many……
Jessica Tate says
Dick was an amazing man who had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met. He made a difference in his community and lived a life so full of giving, it is a very sad loss and he will be missed.
Susan and John Maki says
We feel like we just lost a family member. What a wonderful man, I’m so grateful we got to know him. We loved sharing memories of Sandpoint, Idaho, and that his mom and dad were friends of my Uncle Meryl Tester. I will always be able to picture his impish face as he was “nailing” the people in our boat with his water gun on one of our many float trips. He was sooo much fun. He was such a good banker, wish I were half as smart. We will miss him! Our sincere condolences to his family.
Luanne Matiskainen Romasko says
So sad to hear of Dick’s passing. I have known Dick since the beginning of his banking days at Union Bank and Trust Co. Always a gentleman, always kind, always generous.
Luanne Matiskainen Romasko says
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Garry and Debbe Pistoria says
What a sad loss for Helena of one of the kindest, warmest and most loving human beings we have ever had the honor to know. Dick served on the Pad for Paws Foundation Board since it’s beginning and decided to slow it and retire a couple years ago. But true to his word he continued to help us with our fundraisers each year. Dick was excited to work with “the old gang” this next weekend for a pet food drive. He will be sorely missed and was much loved.
Dick had a great sense of humor and brought many wonderful ideas to every board meeting and always added fun to any Christmas gathering.
We can see Dick and Charlie walking on a beach in heaven as Dick loved all animals and especially his little Chuckster.
Rest in peace dear friend, you were robbed of a wonderful retirement.
Your many many friends both two and four legged from The Pad for Paws Foundation
Cynthia Mulvaney says
I send my heartfelt condolences to Dick’s family. For the past eleven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Dick on the Angel Fund Board. Dick had a way of making all of his friends feel important and dear to him. When there was work to be done or tragedy struck, he would say, “What can I do?” He would lend a hand, provide a comforting hug and be the best friend anyone could ask for. So my dear friend, sail on into this next journey of life. You will be greatly missed.
Goose and Jan Gregson says
Dear, Dear Mr Dick Morgan, our hearts are heavy as you have left us to soon. There are not enough words to begin to thank you for touching our lives in such a big way. Thank you for being the very best neighbor and friend….thank you for so many wonderful memories filled with laughter and adventure! Heaven is more than blessed to have you, we hope you spend your time kayaking, gardening, hiking…..We love and miss you…..thank you
John and Linda Cameron says
Our hearts are greatly saddened from the news of Dick’s passing.
Dick was such a great neighbor and friend. Our neighborhood, as well as the entire community, will sorely miss his generosity and eternal optimism. May the memory of his smile and givingness remain a part of everyone’s heart. We have all benefited from Dick’s presence. RIP our friend.
Linda Reed says
Dick was generous, kind, humorous, and a best friend. He was the first to welcome me to Helena over 22 years ago and since that time there was never a time when he was too busy to help with something important or to enjoy something trivial. I’m so grateful to have memories of many wonderful adventures I had with Dick. He made my life and many others richer. Bear hugs my friend.
B. Richards McIntyre says
I was very sad to hear of Dick’s untimely passing. Dick was one of the most kind, generous and genuine men I have ever known. He always had a smile for everyone and that smile was absolutely infectious! He always had a kind word for anyone and everyone and I know that I, for one, will very much miss that smile and the man behind it. Thank you for being a great friend, Dick and I know I will see you again, someday. I am really going to miss you, my friend. I think you had much more of an influence on people than you might have known. Here’s to you, my friend. My deepest condolences to Dick’s other friends, co-workers and neighbors and especially his family. Here’s a great big hug to you Dick. You will very much be missed. Always and Forever – Brian R. McIntyre
Susie Fergerson Wong says
What a loss for all of us. I cherished my times spent with Dick when I was in Helena. Those memories, his happy spirit and that smile will stay with me always. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dick, I will miss you dearly my friend.
Judy (Harris)Baker says
I graduated with Dick in 1972 and can say he never changed much throughout the years. He held onto his infectious smile and sweet spirit. I will always smile when remembering this special man. I regret he left us too soon!
Susan Hoving says
Thoughts & prayers for the family. He was such an awesome kind man. He surely will be missed lots.
Heidi Youmans says
Sincerest condolences to all of Dick’s family members and his many friends. Learning of his death thismorning was a sad shock. He was a truly fine, admirable person and an outstanding citizen who made a positive difference in a number of realms… which made the world a better place. He will be sorely missed. I will remember him most vividly as a fellow dog-walker…. encountering Dick and Charlie on Meatloaf-area trails was always a treat that added cheer to the day.
Laurie Lawrence and Gary Kittelson says
We lost our best friend last Wednesday in Kona Hawaii–a place where we all loved to go. It is hard to imagine that we could be laughing and having a fun time together one minute and then he is gone the next? It is such a huge loss to his family, friends, neighbors, bank-friends, and the community. Morgie (Dick) was a sweet soul; he rarely talked about himself but always interested in the lives of others. He was kind, independent, a wonderful person with a huge heart to match his huge smile. His sense of humor was contagious. We could giggle for hours!
On Tuesday Dick wanted to take a drive so we headed out in the car. We took a wrong turn and ended up on a remote road in Parker Ranch Kona. He marveled at this spectacular area –wild turkeys-sheep-cows-pheasants-horses roaming along a beautiful countryside; he said it was like Disneyland. We continued on to Hilo where the lush countryside was abundant with waterfalls. He talked about how he loved that trip all
evening.
On Wednesday morning he got up early and did his daily walk; he went to his new
“favorite beach” in Kona and was proud when he returned because he had walked over 6 miles.
It was hard to comprehend that he was gone in the next few hours.
After returning from the hospital I walked out on the Lanai and stared at the ocean.
Morgie loved the ocean and playing in the waves–and he was good at it. As I kept my
eyes on the water — about 50 yards out– a large dolphin leaped out of the ocean and twirled around. I yelled for Gary to come watch! The dolphin did two more twirls; it was a
show for us! At that moment I knew in my heart it was a sign telling us all that he
was happy and in a wonderful place.
Laurie Lawrence and Gary Kittelson
Todd and Carrie Stenhjem says
Dick was a great friend and Mentor. He will be missed!! Our lives will forever have a void. Rest in peace Dick.
Ethel Scheet and family says
Dick was such a caring person. He was always there if you needed him. His business acumen was unquestionable. We will miss his smile and wonderful sense of humor. He will be truly missed. See you in glory dear friend.
Ethel Scheet and Family
Mark Viergutz says
Reading the above messages I have nothing more creative to say about such an outstanding individual. In the 16 yrs I knew Dick at the bank I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He has my total respect and reiterates the idea that we cant live our lives worrying about the future or our retirement. Live for today. I am glad I got a chance to visit with him in Vans shortly before he left for Hawaii.
Marlo Manicke-Domier says
I adored Dick. He was a kind man and as others had said always smiling. He was one of the few people who unconditionally loved our dog Bubba. No matter how crazy wild Bubba was Dick was always happy to see him at the bank. Bubba loved Dick as well. He knew right where his office was anytime he went to the bank. I will miss Dick so much. Reading how he spent his last few days has given me a lot of comfort. Thank you so much for sharing! Knowing he was at such peace and had so much joy brings me peace. Thanks for sharing the dolphin twirls. Knowing that story and how he spent his last few days makes this a little easier. You will be missed by many Mr. Morgan. I will go forth with a smile for everyone in honor of the great friend you were to all, two and four legged. Prayers and love to you and your family.
Erinn Donnell says
This is very sad news, and my condolences go out to Dick’s family. During my time at MWB, he was always a smiling face and such a great man to work with. He will be missed and always remembered fondly!
Julie DeMars says
Dick Morgan will forever be missed by all who ever had the good fortune to know him. Rest in peace old friend.
Bruce & Jackie Wagner says
It is an honor to be able to call Dick a friend. We enjoyed knowing him and working with him. Always a gentleman, always a smile. Dick, we miss you my friend.
Amy Sullivan says
Dick Morgan is one of the kindest souls I know. We had a good, long visit just a few days before he left for Hawaii…he was ready to enjoy his retirement. I am in shock. All my love and support to his friends and family. He will be missed by so many!
Karlee Smith says
It was a sad shock to learn of Dick’s passing… I saw him walking down the street just a couple weeks ago. Dick was a HHS 1972 classmate of mine, so we have been acquainted for close to 50 years. He was a kind and generous guy–always willing to lend a hand. Dick will be greatly missed!
Greg Pace says
Dick was truly one of the most genuine people I knew. His passing will leave an emptiness in the heart of our community. Dick will be missed by many…including me.
God bless
Shannon Clark Brooks says
I’m so heart broken to hear of the passing of Mr. Morgan. I met Dick when I was hired at Mountain West Bank when it had first opened. He greeted you every morning with a smile on his face and that same infectious smile and upbeat attitude when you left for the evening. The angels have a wonderful person in heaven!! R.I.P. you will never be forgotten.
Valerie Tiensvold says
We love you, Dick. We always have. We always will. All your Tiensvold friends.
Crystal Wong Shors says
Countless friends will miss Dick, but in his life he made each of us feel singularly special and important. He had a rare quality of listening and when he was with you he was really with you. His laughter was a grand reward for my feeble attempts at humor and for more than 40 years, like scores of other people, I was so glad to know him. A beautiful dinner at Dick’s house just before he left for Hawaii will be a treasured memory. As was always the case, time spent in Dick’s company left one with a kind of after-glow of well-being. Laurie’s generous sharing of his joyful time in Kona is comforting. Our wonderful, humble friend leaves such as empty place. Thank you to his family for sharing him with all of us.
Julie and Lee Graham says
Our heartfelt sympathy to Dick’s family and friends. We feel blessed to have known him and honored to be able to call him our friend.
Rest well dear friend, you have earned it.
Montel & Walt Livingston says
We lived in Helena in the 70’s and Dick was one of our best friends. I worked with him when he was a bank examiner. A group of us would go out to parties, special events, drive to Big Sky and ski, and travel to Hawaii together. We laughed and celebrated with one another. I’ll never forget Dick arranging for a limo on my 40th birthday and surprising the heck out of me. In return, I made Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse for him. When we moved to Seattle, he visited, and we visited him in Helena, but distance stopped our spontaneous get togethers. However, our friendship was lasting and our memories are forever. I’m so grateful for Laurie’s sharing of Dick’s last day in Hawaii. We also saw dolphins with Dick in Hawaii, and what a beautiful connection with life, as Laurie described.
Rest in peace, Dick.
Candy Vook says
I just want to add that it was a pleasure to have known you and there wasn’t a day that when by that he didn’t have a smile on his face and a great hello to you when every you would pass him in bank. I was really sorry to hear of his passing, but I will always cherish the memories that I have of being able to say that I had him as a friend through Mountain West Bank. Rest in peace Dick.
Jackie Trotchie says
I often wondered what happened to Dick, he was one of the nicest people I knew in Helena. My deepest condelences to his family.
Janet Tursich says
I am saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. I met Dick in the 70’s where we worked together at the State. We became good friends and as everyone has stated he was such a wonderful person. If you were with Dick, there always was laughter and a good time. Dick was a giving person and I am a better person for knowing him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends and may he rest in peace.
Norma Tirrell says
If there are angels among us, I have known one. Dick wasn’t with us nearly long enough but long enough to teach us over and over again how to be better human beings. We ache to be with him again, to see him one more time, to tell him how much we love him. But he knows. He taught us well.
Lisa Donnelly says
I met Morgie a couple of years ago in Kona and instantly loved him. What a wonderful man who made everyone feel so special. Condolences to his family and his special friend Laurie. Rest in Peace our friend.
Kori R. Dee says
The beautiful tributes written here are far more eloquent than any words I can offer so I am going to simply say I too was touched by Dick’s kindness and gentle soul. We are all better for having known him. Prayers and condolences to Dick’s family.
Carol Bridge says
I knew Dick through a mutual friend and as a customer with Mountain West Bank. He was always very pleasant and a joy to be around. Very thoughtful and kind. He will be missed.
Blessing, Peace and Love to you all. Carol Bridg
Jackie MacDonald says
Dick hired me at Valley Bank in 1987 and I hopped on board at Mountain West in 1992. Dick had been one of my mentors over the years I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance,patienence and most importantly friendship. I will miss his smile and wisdom. He left us too soon. Peace. Jackie MacDonald
Valerie S. Long says
It is a great loss to all that know Dick and also to those that did not have the pleasure of making his acquaintance. He was a wonderful man who was thoughtful and kind. May peace be with you.
Sallie Melcher says
My neighbor, Dick and I weren’t close friends, but that won’t stop me from missing him. He always brightened my days with his enthusiastic greetings and kind words. He was one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known, besides having a great sense of humor. Reading these comments, I know Dick will live on in many peoples’ thoughts, as he will in mine.
Jim& Carol Jacovsen says
We are all better people for having been privileged to call Dick our friend. As so many have said, he was an exceptional person. Always smiling and positive and when in his presence, he made you feel like the most important person in the world. What a huge void his passing has left in his family, in his neighborhood, in the banking community, in the city of Helena and maybe most deeply in the hearts of his friends. We will miss you and your loving ways , Dick. May you be watching the dolphins spin!
Kim Buell Clouse says
Dick also touched my heart. I had the true pleasure of knowing him the past 7 years at Mountain West Bank. There are lessons that he left with all of us regarding living, loving, and laughter. He diligently approached his work and his life, and cared naturally about so many people. He impacted all of us with his genuine attitude and regard for our well-being. I did attend the services yesterday along with thousands of others who will remember the goodness that Dick shared, as if it were his life’s mission. His leaving is a huge loss to his family and to all his friends. I think we all have learned something “real” about humanity from Dick. I will always remember his great smile and his kind and giving spirit.
Kitty Cutting says
Dick
Your Smile.
Your Wave.
and
Charlie.
Your House.
Your Yard.
and
Charlie.
I will miss you, my neighborhood friend.
I will miss you.
Heidi Rudio says
Doug and Sandy…I’m so sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. I will always remember his smiling face at the agility trials to watch us compete and have fun. I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet him in person, but he certainly left an impression on me. Thinking of you Doug and hope you are well during this difficult time.