Richard F. Gove, 81, of Kalispell, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 2, 1926, in Lewistown, to Richard Frederick Gove I and Virginia Stowell.

Richard's family moved often and settled in California. He served in the Navy in 1944 and after separating went directly into the Army.

Richard married Shirley A. Buck on Sept. 15, 1956, in Stevensville. They moved to Kalispell and raised seven children who all reside in the Flathead Valley.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jay Gove and a sister, Katherine Gove.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Kalispell; seven children, Bruce, Rick, Don, Gary, Connie, Tammy and Linda; 15 grandchildren, Jeremy, Lisa, Tracy, Justin, Cody, Brandy, Katie, Gary Jr., Shelby, Joey, Charissa, Joshua, Ashlee, Brandon and Jarod; 10 great-grandchildren, Michael, Dustin, Alex, Meagan, Kiera, Colton, Tanner, Riley, Rowdy and Raiden; nephew, Robert Gove; niece, Gloria Barnes; and great-niece and -nephew, Melody and Michael Barnes.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Glenn Burfeind of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell officiating. Burial will follow in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the VFW Post in Kalispell.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Richard's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Richard's guest book.