Richie Allen Klein

Richie Allen Klein died tragically in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Rich was born on July 20, 1965, in Billings, where he lived his whole life. He was born to Carol and Dick Klein. In his early years, he managed several bars and restaurants. It all began with his first job at the bar and restaurant in the Northern Hotel, where he rode his 10-speed bike dressed in a white shirt and tie to the interview. In 2001, he began his career at Denny Menholt Chevrolet. He started as a salesman and worked his way up to finance manager and sales manager. Rich considered his coworkers a second family. He also ran Klein's Flatop Grill.

Rich loved building, fixing, and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He also enjoyed racing cars. He was the biggest Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and an avid pool and darts player. He was a natural born leader and entrepreneur. He initiated what's known today as the VFW Auxiliary Post 1634. This is just one of the few ways Rich contributed to his community.

Rich was always the first one to help someone in need and his altruistic spirit touched the lives of so many. He had a very close relationship with his brother Dave (Becky), and was a loving son to his mother.

He married the love of his life, Kelly, on July 3, 1999, at ZooMontana. Together, they shared five children, Savannah (Baltazar), Amanda (Lee), Shayleen, Raelynn and Montgomery. His children were his pride and joy and he never missed an opportunity to boast about their accomplishments. This year, the family all experienced Disneyland for the first time together. He loved spending what time he could with his eight grandchildren, Maliyah, Macario, Javier, Mariah, Annalyse, Kamdyn, Jackson, and Carson. Rich is preceded in death by his sister Leilani Hart and his father Dick Klein.

He was loved by so many and his memory will live on forever.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, at ZooMontana, with reception to follow.