Richard "Rick" Martin

Richard “Rick” Martin passed away on Monday, July 24th, 2023, at St. Patrick Providence Hospital in Missoula surrounded by his loving family. He was 69. Rick was born on December 18th, 1953, in Billings, MT to Daniel E. Martin and Louise L. Capp. He was the fourth of six children and the only redhead. During German class, at Whitehall High School, Rick met Sara Michele (Mickey) Andrews, the love of his life. Richard and Mickey married on October 23, 1973. Rick served in the Coast Guard from 1972-1976. During this time, Rick saved the lives of numerous people, and also responded to the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. It was also during this time that he became an avid Chicago Bears fan after watching numerous games at Soldier Field. After his time in the Coast Guard, they moved to Butte, MT and started a family. Rick and Mickey had four children Daniel, Nicholas, Kayla, and Amy. Rick loved his children with his whole heart, always helped them out whenever they needed it, and gave them guidance throughout his life. He taught his sons how to hunt and fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. Rick had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh, which he passed on to his daughters. Rick was a relay technician for Northwestern Energy for 42 years and retired in April 2019. He was an avid fisherman from the time he was four, taught by his parents and Grandma Ann. Most of his free time was spent catching huge trout at the Warm Spring Ponds or watching his beloved Boston Red Sox on television. Rick was also a loving grandpa to four redheaded grandkids Casten, Maryn, Braden, and Sophia. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Rick was always willing to help out anyone who needed it and offer a helping hand. He was a friend to anyone and everyone, always able to strike up a conversation with anyone he met and enjoyed playing jokes on his children and grandkids. Rick also taught his children the importance of hard work, being respectful and patient, and not worrying about the little things in life. He always said, “Family is the most important thing.” Rick was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Louise and older brother Tony. Rick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mickey Martin; children Daniel (Laurie), Nicholas, Kayla, and Amy; grandchildren Casten, Maryn, Braden, and Sophia; siblings Daniel, Linda, Randy, and Barry; and nieces and nephew Beverly, Anne, and Luke. A memorial service will be at Butte’s First Presbyterian Church, 901 W. Platinum St. on August 19th, 2023, at 11:00 am for family and friends. Reception to follow afterwards.

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Richard "Rick" Martin

December 18, 1953 - July 24, 2023