During the afternoon of Wednesday, September 4, 2013, Rick passed away peacefully of natural causes. He passed away at home, in his sleep, while napping with his beautiful wife of 53 years. Rick was 84 years old.
Rick was born in the small town of Nibbe, MT in Yellowstone County at 3:00 PM on February 9, 1929. He was the third of three children. He was born to Albert-n-Victoria Bidmead. Despite the early death of his parents, causing him and his sister to live in an orphanage in Twin Bridges, he led quite an upbeat and very successful life.
At age 12 he went to live on a farm with Mr.-n-Mrs. Doc Hartman. He was free of the “State Home Prison” as he called it. He learned how to care for farm animals, candle eggs, had his own bedroom, and enjoyed fishing on his free time. He had many different adventures leading him on to many different places.
At age 19, while living in Idaho, he joined the National Guard. He was soon stationed as a 1st Sergeant with the 3669 Ordinance Company in Helena, Montana and rode into town on his 1942 Panhead Suicide-Shift Harley Davidson. With the move to Helena, his adventures flourished.
He met and married the love of his life, Suzanne (Nelson) Bidmead, on July 21, 1960. Together they remodeled their home, started a family, and started many new adventures. Together they taught classes for the Red Cross. He worked for Peterson Lumber, worked with the Northern Pacific Rail Road, and helped with the construction of the Canyon Ferry Dam. He became close friends with many in the law enforcement and in August of 1966, he became a Deputy Sheriff with the Lewis & Clark Sheriff’s Department under Dave Middlemas. He introduced motorcycles to the Sheriff’s Department, teaching officers how to ride. Rick–n-Suzanne were founding members and lifetime members of the Search & Rescue. The first meetings were held in their home.
He was also a lifetime member of the Helena Mineral Society. During the rebuilding of their home, he dug out and built a fully finished basement. The children were paid a penny for each ice cream bucket of dirt they carried out to create the basement. The family will laugh as they tell you that they carried out buckets of dirt only to fill it back up with rocks. 
Rick was preceded in death by his parents Albert-n-Victoria Bidmead; his brother Arthur Bidmead; his sister Florence Martin; and his Son-in-Love Jason Kellogg.
Rick is survived by his wife of 53 years Suzanne Bidmead; his children Jerry Bidmead (-n-Quana Bert), Matthew Bidmead, Jeanine Stark, Lisa (-n-David) White, Pamela (-n-David) Baker, and Tina (-n-Nathan) Hogan; his 12 Grandchildren Richard Bidmead, Joseph Kellogg, Jonathan (-n-Kara) Kellogg, Jeremy Kellogg, Jasmine Stark (-n-Bobby Miser), Jarred Stark, Samuel White (-n-Kate Metcalf), Sarah White, Kathryn White, Christopher (-n-Sarah) Finley, Camaron Finley, and Brandon Finley; his 2 Great Grandchildren: Maxine Miser and Jacob Finley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Memorial Service for Rick at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the South Hills Church of Christ, 2294 Deerfield Lane, Helena. (Located ½ mile south of the South Hills Exit off the frontage road) Rick’s body will be cremated under the direction of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. There will not be a graveside service.
The family greatly appreciates the excellent care provided by the awesome Hospice staff of Home Link of St. Peter’s Hospital: Anna, Katie, Mary Margaret, and Debbie. Donations may be made to Hospice Home Link of St. Peters, South Hills Church of Christ, or to God’s Love.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Richard.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2013
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2013
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59601
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Bob Smith (from Search & Rescue) says
Suzanne , I was so sad to read of Rick’s passing and would offer my most sincere condolence to you and your family. Rick and I enjoyed a lot of quality time together and some unpleasant times as well recovering drowning victims. He was the best deputy the sheriff’s office ever had on staff and was a fantastic human being who helped so many people throughout his life. Many years ago Rick and I took our SCUBA certification together in Boulder and I will never forget all the time we spent doing Search & Rescue activities. He will be missed by a cumminity that owns him a huge debt of gratitude.
Stacy Fessenden says
Mrs. Bidmead,
I am so sorry for your loss of Rick. Rick visited my 5th grade classroom out at Montana City School many times, sharing his love of rocks and minerals with 100’s of students, as well as me! I have many fond memories of Rick sharing his knowledge so generously with us, and he will be missed. He even invited my children and me into his home to see his rock set up and collection, and my kids fondly remember him every time they get out their polished petrified wood. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Thanks for sharing him with us! He was a gem himself!
Al Koenig (from Search & Rescue) says
Suzanne, My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I was privilaged to serve with Rick and you in Search & Rescue as well as partnering with Rick at the Augusta Rodeo. Lewis & Clark county has lost a valued citizen, he will be missed.
Jeff Wood says
Aunt Sue and Family,
My most sincere condolences. Uncle Rick will be greatly missed. I love and miss all of you and keep you all in my prayers at this time. Uncle Rick was a great man and left a great family behind. You and yours are loved and blessed.
Jacque Swearingen says
Suzanne & family, How sorry we are to hear of your loss. The loss of my mom (Richard’s sister, Florence) just a couple months ago is still so fresh in all our hearts and we struggle daily and miss her so. Our prayers and sincere condolences go out to all of you. My only regret is that I did not get to know my uncle better.
Laurie (Wood)Chandler says
Hi Aunt Sue. This is long after Uncle Rick passed and I didn’t get to tell you how much he and you both mean to me. You both were huge parts in my life and I will always be so greatful to have had you there. I will never forget him picking me up for running away. Who knew he would be my most favorite uncle then. lol I have nothing but smiles when I think of you both and although I did not get to spend much time with you in the later years , I hope you know how very much you meant to me and still mean to me. You both are truly what I see as the true meaning of believers and true love. I love you both always. Laurie