Rickerd Mason Felstet, a gentleman with smiling eyes and a song in his heart passed away July 1, 2023, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls.
Rick was born May 17, 1942, in Redding, California, to Rickerd E. and Ann (Oktabec) Felstet. Rick attended schools in Ovando and Frenchtown then worked as a heavy equipment operator.
While he was in Helena for National Guard, he met his future bride, Margaret Campbell at a dance in Canyon Creek. They married November 7, 1969, and had two children, Anne and Tom.
After moving to East Helena, Rick worked for Maronick Construction then built roads in south Helena for Bill Diehl. His innate understanding of road building/maintaining along with his design eye led him to create various bucket tools to make the work more efficient. His patents can still be found and the concept can be seen on various construction sites. He finished his working life as the road supervisor for Jefferson County.
Rick might have retired, but he was never idle – tinkering in his garage, helping out friends and neighbors, fishing, four-wheeling, and most enjoyable of all was dancing.
Along the way he served on the city council in East Helena and guided his kids and their friends in his quiet, kind way that somehow made you feel even worse than if you would have been chewed out.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents Rick and Ann, parents-in-law Russ and Gertie Campbell, and beloved wife, Margaret. Survivors include daughter Anne (Dan) Dartman, son Tom (Candice), and grandchildren: Sidney and Jake Felstet, Sam, Gertie, and Xavier Dartman, and Sully and Scott Ulrich. His siblings and brother-in-law also survive him: Duane Felstet, Don (Janet) Felstet, and JoAnn Kohler, and Jim (Nancy) Campbell along with twelve nieces and nephews and their families.
Rick’s genuine, good-humored nature attracted many friends who will miss him dearly, in particular his dancing partner and advocate Dona Davies and her family.
Funeral services will be 11 am Monday, July 17, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Avenue followed by a luncheon. An inurnment ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery concludes the day.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday July 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Following the Reception
Monday July 17, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday July 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Following the Reception
Monday July 17, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gail DeBono says
I’m going to miss Rick so much! He always had a smile and made it a better day when he’d come in.
wayne helfert says
Tom ,Annie, and families- I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing, he was such a great guy and a best friend. He was always happy and had a smile on his face. Rick was very talented-the best heavy equipment operator I know. He could frost a cake with a road grader and comb your hair with a backhoe-the best! I got to hunt and fish a lot with him and always had a good time. Rest in peace my friend and save me a spot on the riverbank in heaven.
Cathy says
Even though I only knew Rick for a short time, he touched my heart like no other. His humor was priceless, his smile infectious, and his generosity limitless. I will miss Rick, but feel comforted knowing that he lives on in the hearts of many.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Glenna Wortman-Obie says
Though I worked with Rick for only a few years when I was a Jefferson County Commissioner, I remember him with fondness. He was ever kind and gentle but he was a great teacher and I learned a wealth of information from him as we traveled the county roads in every kind of weather! I am so sorry for your loss. He had great faith too!
Jon Parker says
Knew Rick since we were both in 7th grade. Were friends for years and we lived in his house in Frenchtown for a couple years after I returned from SE Asia. That’s where I met Margaret and enjoyed their company for many years, after many good friends get togethers in Rick’s basement. Missed them much after they moved to E. Helena. Rick had an old piano I played on for years. He meticulously painted the front carved panel in red and white. He and Margaret decided after they moved they would give it to me. I took it and over the years refinished and had it renewed inside and still have it in my living room. I missed both Rick and Margaret and had little contact forever it seems, but thought of them often. Sorry for the families loss and hold on to your memories of them.
Kent/Rebekka Dodge says
Annie and Tom – I am so sorry for your loss. The world lost two of the nicest people imaginable – your mom and dad. I am so glad they are together again. It hurts my heart to know they are gone. I am so glad to have known them. My sincere condolences.
Denise Feller says
Del Harris introduced me to Rick when we needed some help with the cemetery. He was the best. Then when we (grandchildren and I) walked to school every day and went back to pick up a grandson, we always got to visit. He showed the kids whatever he was working on and let them help. They went right into the garage if they knew he was there!! The twins finished Kindergarten and were looking forward to walking by his house again this year. We will miss him very much.
Scott St. Clair says
Condolences to the family, I met Rick on a Memorial Day fishing trip to Tiber Reservoir many years ago. He had a special interest in perch fishing so we often shared information and stories. Occasionally I would consult him for advice in regard to City business and Public Works, he was a very knowledgeable man and well respected. Rick was a great guy, always open to conversation, always willing to help. I respected him for his service to East Helena knowing that it is seldom a rewarding effort. He was a good friend and I will always think of him when I’m perch fishing. Rest in Peace, my Friend. Scott
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family during this most difficult time
Kathryn A. Campbell says
I can recall my Mother saying, “You danced (learning) on your Uncle’s shoes.” thinking of her brother, now realizing to think of her brother-in-law as well I’m grateful to Uncle Rickerd, as I recall Aunt Margaret saying his name; remembering ‘life is a dance’.
Bob or Gay Ann Masolo says
So sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He was on my prayer list every morning. Bob and I had so much fun with Rick and Maggie. You were lucky to have the best parents and grandparents. I will always remember when Maggie skipped school and she and Rick got married in Helmville. Now they are together and our prayers are with you.
Bernie Helfert says
Annie, Tom and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Rick’s death. Marg was a best friend who married one incredible guy. Both, so hospitable, I loved seeing them when
In East Helena. In losing a wonderful Dad, you will be remembered in my prayers as you mourn your deep loss.
In sympathy,
Jim Schweyen says
Annie, Tom and family, my condolences on the passing of your Father. I was blessed to grow up with Rick in the neighborhood. He was a teacher, mentor, friend and fixed countless things for me. I enjoyed hunting trips together and was comforted when smelling his cigarette smoke in the woods, it brought a sense of security knowing he was close. Rest in pease, my prayers are with you all.