Ricky Ray Williams 64, of Helena died of Multiple Myeloma in Helena Thursday, September 20, 2012.
Rick was born in Helena, Montana to Neil Ray and Wilhelmina M. (Sturn) Williams. Following graduation from high school, Rick served in the United States Navy beginning in April 1968 and was honorably discharged in January of 1972.
Rick worked for the HATS in Helena as a city bus driver. He enjoyed the outdoors of Montana.
The world has lost a kind and compassionate man. He was honest and respectful to all who knew him. Rick has graced everyone with his presence; friends, family and the people of Helena. He has left this physical world to do his favorite things: hunt, fish, hike and rock hound in heaven. He was a busy man running here and there but always made time to tell a joke or make a funny face. His free spirit will forever remain in our memories and in our hearts. Thank you God, for blessing us with this kind and compassionate man!
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and brother in law, Les Velasquez. He is survived by his daughters, Mandy and Aaron Wels, Melanie Williams and her husband Lee; son, Sunny Williams; sister, Carol (Mike) Henry, Lorena Velasquez and brother, Tim Williams; grandchildren, Quintin, Marshall and Zada. Rick is also survived by his former wife and friend Jenny Williams; loyal friend and companion Gail Williams and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Ricky’s life will be 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A burial service with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A memorial fund to assist family with end of life expenses may be sent in care of Mandy Wels; 6098 Anna Brown Road Helena, MT 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Rick.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Wednesday September 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Military Honor's Graveside Service
Wednesday September 26, 2012
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Wednesday September 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Military Honor's Graveside Service
Wednesday September 26, 2012
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
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Dawna Pace & Wayne Tietz says
We are so sorry about the loss of a Dad, Ex-husband, brother and friend. Rick will be well missed by alot of people who know him on the Helena Area Transit Service. Those who knew Rick in the Helena Area. I know how the family feels and is going through I went through it both times with my parents. Just hang in there and God will guide you through the tough first year. I have lost three people in my life time.
David Sturn says
I will really miss my cousin Rick. He was such a nice guy. Last January, during a very sad time, we went for a hike together. He spoke about how much he cared about the family, the good times we’ve had, and how many of us have similar interests like hunting and motorcycles. Whenever I see a HAT vehicle I’ll think of him. He aways smiled and waved. Goodbye my friend. We will all miss you. RIP
Joni Sturn Pancoast says
I would often see Rick around town driving the bus. He would always smile and wave and occasionally stop to chat. He was a friendly guy with a nice smile. My sympathy to all his family. I know he will be missed.
ck braach says
rick ray wilimas
love you miss you bless god i miss the lord goodby heavnes you see youi love rick die gave what see you the lord nice people bus missyou ilove you heavnes god rise up foreever . seeyou gave god blees me people love you see you love you god forever bless me family miss you about rick love you have like gave pray hearts die my hearts bus you like see you god bless love you heavnes nice ck people hi family gods goodby love you rick ray williams family i love you miss you ck braach cecelia kay benson love you miss you . mardi benson
Leona Zaharko says
I have known Rick for many, many years and he was always one of the “nice guys”. Always a friendly smile and good joke to share. Whenever I think of him, I see him coming in the store in his shorts and work boots. Miss you, Rick
Roy Moerno says
Roy Moreno
I first met Rick when we both delivered papers for the Great Falls Tribune.
we also work together at Teasure State Transit.Rick always had a smile on
face an in his heart.He would lend a helping hand if you needed it seldom
saying no. I will miss seeing himeither on his Harley,in his truck with the little
black dog riding usaully on a wood pile or in a HATS bus.I will miss bumping
in to you at the Mini Basket which was often.My prayers go out to your family
your in great hands till we meet again. Later Rick my friend
Linda Smith says
I remember Rick from way back in the 70’s when we worked together at Superior Fire Apparatus. Always a smile on his face and a pleasure to be around. I rode HATS for several years – same smile, same sense of humor. same nice guy. He was good to people. I will miss seeing Rick about town but won’t forget him. May the angels take him to Heaven’s great outdoors where the moose live and his family and friends are waiting to welcome him home.
My condolences to Rick’s family, co-workers and friends.
Linda & Lee Cook says
Such a wonderful person, I loved his smile and the joy he had for life riding his motorcycle, hunting and always waving at you from his bus!
Christie Richeson Killeen says
Cousin Rick I will miss you. You were always so kind. You loved all your younger counsins so. We all looked up to you, into those beautiful blue eyes and wonderful smile. You were there for me when I lost my brother Dave. I’m so thankful to have had those talks with you. I know you and Dave are hunting and fishing together now. Lucky.
scooter rogers says
i ran into ricky last year early in the am.he was fueling up the bus and i was so glad to see him after so many years.it made my day.
deb stansberry says
I will always remember Rick with his wonderful personality and love of moose. I can still hear him coming in the store either yodeling or doing one of his bird whistles. Rick was always friendly, always smiling, and always full of life. You will be missed. But we know you are hunting and fishing with your little dog. God Bless.
MICHAEL RYAN says
RICK: May you rest in peace My friend!
Jennifer Sturn Beyer says
I’ll always have fond memories of cousin Rick. It meant a lot to me when he would take time to stop and chat when I’d see him at family gatherings or around town. He will be greatly missed. Sending love and prayers of comfort to the family.
Cindy Silvonen says
Rick was such a fun guy to be around. Always had a good word and a friendly greeting. You will be missed Cousin.
Theresa Gardner says
I have known Rick for a very long time. I will miss having him pick me up and take me places that I needed to go. he was such an AWESOME person. I will miss his sense of humor
Bette Dyrdahl says
I got to know Rick at least 5 years ago on the HATS bus. He was the best! Always so friendly and accomodating. Rest in Peace Rich and condolences to his loved ones.
flossie says
When I was walking you would always honk the HATS horn and give me a big smile and a wave. Everytime I see a HATS I will think of you and see those gestures of kindness that you shared with the many people whose lives you touched. Happy hunting Rick.
Cotts says
WOW Rick! Was that last Thursday? And we were sure we had you talked into running for Governor. You will be missed my friend! You touched people along the road of life and not just some people. You touched all the people you came in contact with. You left them a better person with a better outlook on life. You gave a touch of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping, and Montana to us. I remember your stopping in at the Green Door for a cold mug forty eyars ago late at night. Your endless stories and tales of life in the fast lane. You were a virtual “party going somewhere to happen”. God Bless you Rick! Your missed now and will be for a very long time. Thank you for giving to us all!! Safe Journey! R&B
Robyn Williams says
I treasure my childhood memories of my cousin Rick. My older brother R.D. and Rick were the same age and hung out together when they were young at all the family get together’s like Sunday dinners, holiday dinners and birthday’s with our Grandparents and our parents. We all lived in South Dakota as kids and then New Mexico. Rick was so handsome in high school and it seemed like he had all the “Beach Boy” albums. He looked like a California dreamer/surfer…….:–) Wish I could have seen you again here on earth but now R.D. and you can hang together in heaven. God Bless Rick and give our heavenly family my love. Miss you and God Bless.
Cousin Robyn
Mark Williams says
I don’t remember very much about my own life forty five to fifty yearss ago. I do remember Rick when i was a kid; I must have been about ten years old the last time I saw him.
Growing up my Uncle Neil and my father’s family were very close and often together on weekends and holidays. I remember Rick as one of my boyhhod idols. He was a very good looking guy, also very athletic in stature. He was the kind of guy all the girls would love. That is definately what I wanted to be.
When our familys were together I was always hanging out with my cousin Rick.
What I know of who he was as a grown man he was still someone to be admired. He was a free spirited man with lots of integrity. In my eyes a man right with our Heavenly Father. He remained a man a boy could idol throughout his life. As I know it he made the world a better place. I am certain he has his place in the Book of Life and The Kingdom of God.
To his family and all who have survived him my heart is with you and Rick.
God Bless us all, Mark Williams.
John W. Camden says
I meet Rick and Jenny in the late 70’s when he worked for Superior Fire Apparatus. He always had a smile and was willing to give a hand when needed. There are many stories about hunting, fishing, collecting fire wood and looking for game that involved Rick. He loved driving his pick-up with his dog and had a true love for his “Fat Boy”. He enjoyed working for HATS and the people he met. Rick was a true friend to all and will be missed by all of us who knew him. You are soaring with the Eagles now my Friend.
God Bless…JW Camden
Deziah says
I am so sorry for yoour loss, I knew Rick from being in the outdoors in which he loved so much and from Montana Outdoor Sports, I will miss his stories of his antler hunting….
Helen Taffs says
Rick was such a kind human being. My boys and I last ran into him elk hunting last year, and I regret chickening out on the road now. Goodbye friend!
Jeanne says
I met Rick about 5 years ago while working at Lakeside Store. He was such a happy go lucky guy. He was there for me when my father passed away. Such a pleasant guy to know and talk to. I haven’t seen him in the last year, as I don’t work at the store anymore and haven’t seen him driving his HATS bus. I am shocked and saddened by this news. He will be missed!
Carol Henry says
Hi brother Rick. I have been thinking about you today and realized your birthday is next week. You were my protector, my big brother. I have tried to live each day to its fullest since you passed. I was suppose to die first with my cancer. How you must have suffered those years of not knowing why you felt tired and aches and pains. Your death has been the hardest for me since we found out six weeks before you went to mom, dad, grandpas and grandmas and all who have passed before you. Especially your little ornery dog Ebony. I love you. Thanks for everything we experienced during our childhood and beyond. Hugs and big sloppy kisses. Your sister, Carol