Richard “Dick” Ring, 69, passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. 

He was born on Dec. 29, 1944, in Faribault, Minn., to John and Ruth (Burgum) Ring. Dick grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota where he learned to work hard, long days. Dick’s father passed away when he was in sixth grade, which required him to leave school and work on the family farm. 

At the age of 18, he fell in love with driving trucks, where he spent the majority of his career. He hauled many different types of cargo, including logs, wood chips, equipment, Pepsi and Walmart goods. Dick really enjoyed driving truck for Walmart, where he was awarded multiple driving and appreciation awards, including a 3 million-mile award which he was particularly proud of. 

Dick liked to make the comment, “I have more miles backing up in a truck than you have going forward.” He was also proud of the fact he never had an accident in an 18-wheeler. He was also proud of the fact he outran the law many times in his 1950 Mercury. He drove in every state except Hawaii; he lived in Alaska many years.  

Dick enjoyed driving truck, woodworking, camping, mowing with his John Deere riding mower and riding four-wheelers with his trusty companion dog Sneaker. During his retirement he also served as camp host at Hungry Horse Reservoir and Lower Thompson Lake.

Dick is survived by his wife of 21 years, Wanda Ring, his two daughters, Ruthie and Mary; and one son, Lance; two stepsons, Gordie and wife Tanya, and Jim and girlfriend Jamee; many grandkids, nieces and nephews, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Roxie, Rita and Bonnie; and one brother, Wendell.

Funeral services for Dick will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Faith Free Lutheran Church, 405 Liberty Street, Kalispell, with Pastor Steve Snipstead officiating. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will follow interment, at the church.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Dick’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Dick’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.