Richard Norman Owings February 14, 1932 – February 4, 2017

Stevensville, MT — Dick was a committed lottery player. Life is short and youcan’t win if you don’t play; so twice a week he bought a ticket. Always the optimist, he believed it was worth every penny and enjoyed contemplating how wining could impact the lives of people he loved!

Born in Caldwell, Idaho, his parents, Norman and Beatrice raised him, his sister and brother in a loving home filled with reading, dancing, food and family. After graduating from High School, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 3 years in the service including 13 months in Korea.

Dick met the love of his life, Louise Mencarini, in San Francisco. He proposed days after meeting her, but despite his dazzling blue eyes, it took him 2 years to convince her. Married December 8, 1956 they began their incredible life together.

Dick worked for Union Oil Company for over 25 years ending his career with his dream job as Division Manager of the Pacific Northwest. He and Louise then purchased 166 acres near Othello Washington and established Saddle Mountain Vineyard. They put a lot of hard work, heart and soul in the vineyard describing it as their “greatest adventure”. Later Dick went to work for Adams County eventually retiring as the Director of Public Works. Dick and Louise remained in Othello where over 25 years they developed many friendships that meant the world to  them.

When his “beautiful bride” passed away in 2006, Dick decided to move Montana. He settled in the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains where his view of the Bitterroot Mountains, and the constant parade of wildlife were a source of joy. While the beauty of Stevensville drew him in, it was the warmth of the people that made him feel truly at home. We would like to thank all in the community who made it so easy for Dick to call Stevensville home.

Our Dad will be dearly missed by his loving family; daughter Lisa Langston and husband Mike, daughters Madison and Tess, all of Missoula; daughter Diane Owings and husband Bill Bruner of Bothell, Washington and son David Owings and wife Karen, children Jeff, his wife Rhianna (and Dad’s soon to be born great grandson), Amy and Mack, all of Ketchikan, Alaska. Two years ago, Dick was thrilled to have his cousin Bob Moore and wife Kerri move to Stevensville. Their companionship added greatly to his joy in living there.

We invite family, friends and acquaintances to an open house celebration of Dick’s life from 2pm — 5:30 PM on April 8th at the Gibson Mansion in Missoula. Please let us know if you will be joining us (so we can plan appropriately) by emailing us at doc522@gmail.com.

In lieu of donations, please consider this; Dick liked to remind folks to be good to those they cared for and take every opportunity to express their love and appreciation. After all, life is short, and you can’t win if you don’t play. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family atwww.whitesittfuneralhome.com.