Richard “Dick” Harry Dubbs, 89, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.

He was born on Oct. 31, 1922, in Vesta, Minn., to Dale and Dorthea (Rust) Dubbs. They moved to Pine River when he was 6 years old. Dick graduated from Pine River High School in 1939, and from Dunwoody Industrial Institute in 1941.

Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1942 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in June 1946.

He married Esther Vaughn in 1943, and from this union there are four children, Harriet Ann, Larry, Donnie and Ronnie. He married Roberta Gilbertson in 1964 and became a loving stepfather to Steve, Bob, Linda and Sharon Gilbertson. He married Barbara Butts in 1978 and became a loving stepfather to Sheila Hill.    

Dick was proud of his career in the military, as an electrician and as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired in 1973.

He was an instructor and competition rifle shooter of both high power and small bore rifles. He was a member of the Whitefish Rifle and Pistol Club, an endowment member of the National Rifle Association, Kalispell Eagles Aerie 234 and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching sports and attending his grandkids’ events. He loved to go camping with family and friends.

He was very proud of his 14 grandkids, who included Kari Hill Murphy, Zack Hill and Melissa Hill from Kalispell, his 10 great-grandkids, and his three special friends, Conner, Micah and Caleb Heil.

Dick was happiest when he was talking about his family, his friends and his past. He will be greatly missed.

Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara, in 2006.  

A graveside funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 30, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell. Pastor Steve Hermes will officiate.