Richard Stilkey

Richard (Dick) Elliott Stilkey was born to Richard and Marion Stilkey in 1943 in Tucson, Arizona. He was the oldest of three children. He spent his childhood growing up in Minnesota, and Cut Bank and Sunburst, Montana. He was an airplane mechanic in the Air Force and from there moved to Alaska where he spent a large part of his life. Dick was first an airplane mechanic and then became an electrician, was a proud Union member, and helped build the Alaskan pipeline. Dick married the love of his life, Neta Stilkey, in 1967 and they lived in Fairbanks, Alaska for many years. Dick enjoyed building and flying planes and having grand adventures. He once bought a remote island in British Columbia and spent many summer days enjoying the natural beauty. His niece and nephew remember fondly when their dad and uncle Dick stepped on beehive in the forest on that island and unceremoniously ran through the woods shedding their clothes to save themselves. Dick was always planning big trips and enjoying those travels. He also enjoyed navigating rivers and shared those experiences later in life with his good buddy Smokey Joe, an Australian Shepard. Dick eventually moved from Fairbanks to Bigfork, Montana where he lived off grid for some years before moving into town so he and Neta could be closer to friends and live in comfort for their remaining years. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and taught young people cribbage at the local school. Dick became quite adept at playing the fiddle as well and spent many nights with friends enjoying impromptu jams. Dick and Neta traveled frequently to music festivals to enjoy music and spend time with out of town friends. Neta passed in 2020 with Dick and dear friends from Texas by her side. Dick kept her memory alive through his heart-felt stories. Dick went on to his next great adventure May 8th, 2023.  He is survived by his son Stuart (Debra) Campbell (Stuart passed recently), grandchildren Wesley and Brandon Campbell, and Clay and Sara Easterling; brother Jay T. (Debbie) Stilkey, sister Lynne Stilkey, niece Dodi Stilkey and her two daughters Katie and Abbey Rode, and nephew Jay R. (Jennifer) and his two sons Blake and Dylan (Aundraya) Stilkey. Dick’s infectious smile, big laugh, and sense of adventure will live on in our hearts. In lieu of a service, the family asks that you take a walk by a river and enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature.