Rich began his grand 90-year adventure in the bustling town of Zurich, MT. on Jan. 31st, 1927, before the family settled in Helena. Born at home and weighing in at over 10 pounds, it was obvious that he had a long list of matters to accomplish, one of which was possibly being the largest of his 10 siblings (at least at birth.) Those were the days of the Great Depression, bare feet, the run of the neighborhood until dark, and taking in a movie at the Marlow Theater with a hamburger and coke for a quarter – even cheaper if one bought a ticket, and let a friend or two in through the exit door.
Rich experienced the Big Earthquake followed by many aftershocks, forcing his large family to sleep in a tent in the backyard, and attend school in boxcars. Later, Rich became one of the legendary Downtown Helena newsboys. Oftentimes, business profit depended upon important corporate negotiations in the back alley to determine who would claim the busiest corner.
Rich played as quarterback under the famous coach Henry Fiske, and later played forward for the soon to be champion Helena High School basketball team (“what Richie lacks in size, he makes up for in scrap and speed”). He also scored high marks as an all-around renegade, who lived life to the full. He served in the Navy during WWII as a ship signal-man, and then married Doris Peaslee in 1948. They had one daughter, Judy, (a most exceptional child). Rich then began work at Ma Bell (Mountain Bell). He worked hard, and rose up through the ranks to become a supervising engineer. He was the boss whom everyone respected, loved, exchanged practical jokes with, and worked hard for.
Rich was a great shot and hunter, not so much for sport, rather to put meat on the table, and to enjoy time with his buddies. Fishing was another passion, with hours spent fly fishing on the Little Blackfoot, and dropping lines year round at Canyon Ferry. Rich and Doris finally realized their dream of a home on Canyon Ferry Lake. As the log walls slowly and lovingly went up with the help of various friends and family who gladly worked for camaraderie and a beer, Rich realized that no self-respecting Ma Bell employee should be without a phone. Since the outhouse was the only completed structure on the lot, it doubled as a phone booth for quite some time. In the winters after retirement, Rich and Doris became snowbirds, making many friends everywhere they went. Rich caught a marlin in Mexico, and scored a hole in one at their home in California, fine additions to his bucket list. He was also a lifetime member of the Helena Elks, Lodge 193.
After Doris passed, Rich was fortunate to find another love and life-mate in long-time family friend, Jeannie Daugherty. They married, traveled, and have been best friends and partners for over 26 years, laughing, enjoying life, one another, and their large combined family of children and grandchildren. They were active members of Crossroads Fitness and Grace Community Fellowship, and enjoyed attending many of Helena’s fine productions, including Starz on Stage.
In Helena, Rich leaves his wife Jeannie, daughter Judy (Blaine) Palmquist, Brother Gary (Carol) Barker, grandchildren Christian (Theresa) Palmquist, Sarah (Mike) Trettin, Heidi (Marty) Scanlon, and several great grandchildren. Rich’s grandson, Shane Palmquist, greeted him as he passed on. He was also prededed by Jeannie’s daughter Dennie Cherrie, and Dennie’s son Christopher. Rich’s honorary son and daughter in law Dave (Connie) Daugherty live in Butte. Their children are Rob (Kim) and Dale (Tanith). Dennie’s children are Tonya, and Heather. Rich’s playful and caring personality quickly won him the title of Grampa by all of Jeannie’s grandchildren.
Rich/Dad/Gramps, you have richly (excuse the pun) blessed us with your quick sense of humor, warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. We have been so fortunate to have you in our lives. May the Lord bless and keep you, and may His face shine upon you until we meet again. We love you!
A memorial service and celebration of Rich’s life will take place at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home on Monday, Feb. 6th at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. Burial with full military honors will take place at Resurrections Cemetery after the reception. Although Rich enjoyed children and had a great respect for animals, memorials can be made to your charity of choice. Rich would mostly want you to hold a happy memory of him, and reach out to others with smiles and kindness.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Monday February 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday February 6, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Monday February 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday February 6, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kathy (Anderson) and Jim White says
Dear Judy and family, so sorry to hear about Uncle Rich passing away. He was always one of my most favorite uncles, with a heart of gold and so genuine and filled with kindness. I was just thinking back on all the wonderful times we had at the cabin at Canyon Ferry. I will never forget those. He was an inspiration to me growing up and was always so warm when I did get to see him. I am so very luck that he was part of my life. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Now he is up dancing across the heavens with all his family and smiling down on all of you. Love and miss you, Kathy and Jim White
Bob and Donna Anderson says
Judy and family, so sorry to hear about uncle Rich’s death. He was a nice and kind man and a wonderful uncle. All of the times we were with him he was always a lot of fun and a pleasure to be around. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. Bob and Donna Anderson
Deb Winston Bushnell says
Dear Jeannie, Judy and family. So very sorry to hear about our awesome Uncle Rich! I, like Kathy, remember the fun times we had at the cabin at Canyon Ferry and all the other Barker family fun we used to have! We will all miss him so much even though we didn’t see each other often! He’s with his mom and dad, sisters and brother and I know he will be watching over all of you. We love you and please let us know if we can help with anything! Deb and Wayne Bushnell and family.
Brenda and Jerry Schutz says
Dear Judy and family, We are so sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You.
Brenda and Jerry Schutz
Laurena Stephens says
Dear Jeannie and family,
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Laurena and Ken Stephens
Nicole says
Very sorry for your loss of Richard. May the promise found at Isaish 25:8 bring you comfort at this difficult time
Mary Kay Bennett says
The LORD is close to the broken-hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34-18
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Barbara Evans says
I was saddened to hear of Rich Barker’s passing. Some of the most cherished memories of my youth were made possible by the generosity of Rich and Doris Barker, who treated me like a second daughter and hosted me often at their lake cabin. Rich was always a dashing fellow with a ready smile and lots of joie de vivre. This was a man who bought his teenaged daughter a motorcycle, her first wheels, on which we buzzed around town (no helmets!) and generally had a terrific time. I learned how to waterski and drive a motorboat under his tutelage. Those memories are very dear to me.
Rich was lucky in love, having been married to two incredibly beautiful women, inside and out–Doris & Jeannie. In his later years, still handsome and with gorgeous silver hair, he was always happy when I came calling, which happened a lot in the past year after he and Jeannie moved to Touchmark, where my mother, Doris, resides. We both send our condolences to Jeannie, Judy, Gary, and the whole extended family. He was a prince of a guy and will be greatly missed.
Katie, Linda and Mark says
We were saddened to learn of Rich’s passing, and wanted to extend our deepest sympathies to Jeannie and her family. We remember the good times and will hold on to these fond recollections – Rich was a great person and will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Katie Spiroff, Linda Graham and Mark Spiroff
Carol Hanson says
Jeannie, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. I wish you peace.
Love, Carol
Karen Bryson says
Dear Jeannie,Judy and family,
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. May you find comfort in God’s promise of everlasting life.
Karen Bryson
Pam & Larry Trettin says
Judy, Blaine, family,
So sorry for the los of your father and grand father. Rich was such a wonderful man. He will truly be missed . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Jeannie,
Always loved seeing you at church when we lived in Helena. Rich was a sweet man and you two made a special couple. What a lovely ibituary to pay tribute to your husband and life together.
God bless and bring you comfort and peace.
John 3:16.
Love,
Valerie and Bob Raisch (FL.)
Lynn Guay says
Judy, Ralph and I want to offer our condolences to you and your family over the loss of your Dad. Ralph was remembering that he made a Cursillo many years ago and found him to be a great hugger and was always smiling! You certainly resemble him. We are sending peace and love to all of you! Ralph and Lynn Guay
Lynn Campbell says
Dear Jeannie and family, I just saw in the paper, your very sad news…. so sorry for your loss! I had never met Rich, but knowing you, Jeannie, he had to have been a wonderful man! May your faith, family and friends carry you you threw this difficult time. You’re in our thoughts and prayers, love Lynn and Tom Campbell and family
Rhonda Sullivan-Hellman says
So very sorry for your loss of a wonderful man…. Worked with Rich at Mountain Bell/US West/Qwest for many years, He was a very kind and warm person. Reconnected with him at Crossroads Health Club and enjoyed getting to know him all over again. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David and Wendy Sturn says
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Arlyn and Pearle Plowman says
Jeanie and family. We are sorry for your great loss. May God strengthen you during this time of grief and comfort you in the sweet memories of Rich.
Matt and Jennifer Van Syckle says
Jeannie we are very sorry to hear of the loss of Rich. You were both wonderful neighbors to have during our years on Saddle Dr. We could always count on a friendly wave, a smile or a nice conversation with you both. I’ll never forget the day we met Rich outside when Hadrian was a baby in my arms and he smiled, pointed at the number on Hadrian’s jersey shirt and proudly said, “that was the year I graduated high school!” You are both neighbors we’ll always cherish! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Maureen Dineen Fisher says
Dearest Jeannie, Judy, grand-daughter Sarah and the entire Barker family,
We all send our Deepest Sympathies and Condolences.
Our entire family is so saddened to hear of the passing of such a dear and faithful friend.
Rich’s friendship of many years and many memories will be our treasure forever.
God Bless You…. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you All. LOVE,
Maureen Dineen Fisher, Jen Dineen Gill and families and the
Marylou Dineen McCutcheon family
Debbie Thares says
My husband and I knew Rich when working for the phone company. What a kind gentle man and always a smile on his face. He truly touched the hearts of many.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Blaine, Judy and family.
Crystal Wong Shors says
Judy, The tribute your family has written about Rich is as warm and happy as he was. It was always a pleasure to see him in the halls of 560 N. Park, because he just sparkled. Rich always had a cheerful greeting in a workplace that wasn’t always upbeat. Thinking of you and hoping the happy times bring you comfort.