Richard R. "Dick" Coverdell was called peacefully home on Thursday, September 1, 2016 after battling pro-longed illness.
He was born in Polson, MT on August 14, 1938 to Ralph Elsworth and Bertha Elnora Coverdell. Raised and educated in Polson, he married his high school sweetheart Clairice Christine Semingson and began a sixty-year relationship of unfaltering love and devotion.
After completing his service with the US Army, Dick and Clairice made Columbia Falls their permanent home. He worked as a brick mason for Anaconda Aluminum but found his professional passion as a log truck owner/operator for over twenty-five years. After retirement from the timber industry, he stayed active driving low-boys and belly dumps.
Dick found pleasure in traveling, wood-carving, reading, camping, scouring the Oregon Coast, working in the yard, and spending time with his family. He found much joy and pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Dick had a positive, profound effect on all who were fortunate enough to make his acquaintance. He welcomed new friends and made everyone feel like family. He was a supportive husband and father and an outstanding grandfather.
He is survived by his loving wife Clairice Coverdell at the family home in Martin City; daughters Teresa Babcock and son-in-law Paul of Columbia Falls, Rhonda Teague and son-in-law Scott of Woodburn, OR, Leah Zika and son-in-law Daniel of Battle Ground, WA, and Jody Baiar and son-in-law Jeff of Columbia Falls; grandchildren Kyle Babcock, Angela Eastham and husband Jason, Travis Teague and wife Candice, Tyler Teague, Deanna Teague; Ryan Zika and wife Kristine, Megan Zika; Michael Baiar and wife Emily, and Jessica Sharbono and husband Kirby; great-grandchildren Quinten Babcock and Skylar Eastham; brother Arthur Coverdell and wife Carolyn of Missoula, and sister Marilyn Miller and husband Miles of Fernley, NV; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
A family memorial will be held following the return of grandchildren who are currently serving overseas in the Army.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in his name to the Columbia Falls Freedoom Post #72 of the American Legion. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.