Richard M Roberts -- December 15, 1935 – July 28, 2020

There has been a long-standing family joke that Dick would never die, he would just run out of gas. Richard "Dick" Roberts ran out of gas July 28, 2020 in Tennessee from Covid-19. Dick was known for his personal toughness and mild-mannered nature. Truly a jack-of-all-trades, he was happiest doing something for somebody somewhere. You could always count on Dick to be there to help you out. A true family man, Dick loved being around his family and enjoyed participating in any crazy event. Even if that meant being the target of a joke.

Born premature and not expected to live December 15, 1935 to Harry and Leona Roberts in Geyser, Montana, Dick spent his first few days on the oven door and would often quip: "Well, it worked for the chicks". A self-made man, Dick put himself through the University of Montana with a degree in Forestry. He married Twila Little on September 10, 1961. Dick and Twila ended up in Whitehall, Montana where they raised four children. After leaving the Forest Service, Dick owned and operated Whitehall Lumber & Building Materials. In later years, Dick worked for the Golden Sunlight Mine. Leaving his legacy in Whitehall, he built four houses from scratch he lived in, installed a dozen or so (Kober) modular homes in town, and conducted several major renovations on other homes as well as building a few garages. He was a veteran of the Montana Army National Guard and member of the Masons. As with most Montanans, Dick loved the outdoors; skiing, camping, hiking, hunting, and golfing. After retirement, Dick and Twila found Montana winters intruding on their golf game so decided to spend winters in Ocala, Florida. Dick loved the adventure of travel and took every opportunity to see his children in every corner of the world and at times he would be known to go missing. Thank goodness for cell phones.

Dick is survived by his four children; Rick (Susan) of Mountain Green, Utah; Jill (Jeff) Jenkins of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Tim (Michelle) of Pulaski, Tennessee and Steve of San Antonio, Texas. He has seven grandchildren; Sarah, Matthew, Breanne, Brandon, Michael and Cameron Roberts and Jacob Jenkins.

He is preceded in death by his wife Twila, mother Leona Cheney Roberts, father Harry Roberts, sister Francis Abney, and brothers Arthur, Robert "Bob" and Perry Roberts.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later time, post-pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, Dick would prefer everyone wear a mask, stay home if sick and practice social distancing. Donations can also be made to the Parkinson's Association or visit his Model T at the Jefferson Valley Museum in Whitehall and make a donation.