Rick Kirkness

On January 2nd, our family lost our son, brother, dad, and friend to so many. Rick, or Ricky Bob as he was so fondly called by his family and friends, passed away at his home in Red Lodge. Richard Lawrence Kirkness was born November 1st, 1951, in Billings to Neal and Norma Kirkness. Rick graduated from Senior High in June of 1970, where he excelled in sports and was liked by everyone. Later that year, he married Wendy Ross and to that union was born Cari An Kirkness. He later married Sherry Stroppel and his son Richard was born.

Rick started his career with the government when he was only 19 years old and he worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 25 years and then took early retirement. After retiring, he worked many forest fires over the nest few years, being in charge of coordinating food services doing all of the ordering and staying at the fires as a camp cook. Rick was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain people of all ages and walks of life. Rick has a zest for life, and when he was outdoors either fishing or doing yard work for his mom or riding R.D.s' mower for hours helping him out, he was at his best. Rick had a big heart and a willingness to help his family and friends whenever they needed him.

Rick was preceded in death by his dad, Neal Kirkness, and grandparents, Oscar and Evelyn Kirkness and Mike and Zella Bowles, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son Richard, "Pacey Pacey" of Billings who now resides in Montreal, Canada and his daughter Cari Kirkness and Cari's three children Alex, Carissa and Trestin; his mother Norma Cox of Billings; sister Connie (Lane) Saunders, "Siester" and niece Terra Pierce and nephew Tony (Lisa) Pierce and their children; his brother R.D., "Bruds" of Red Lodge and his four children Brandelyn, Britney, Breanna, and Jayde; and his loving companion Joni Duke of Red Lodge, who brought so much happiness to Ricks' life. Other survivors include Rod and Polly Kirkness and Margaret Kirkness, all of Billings, as well as several cousins and a host of great friends.

Ricky, we all love you and are going to miss you so much. Your infectious laugh and great smile will be in our hearts forever.

Funeral services will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary at 11:00 A.M. Friday morning, with cremation to follow.