Richard Kolden, 77

Richard "Dick" Allen Kolden passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, with family by his side after courageously fighting a five-year battle with cancer. He will be missed by all who loved this kind, caring and gentle man. 

He was born Aug. 29, 1948, in Minot, North Dakota, to Richard M. Kolden and Pearl Kerzman Kolden. He grew up on the family farm in Roseglen, North Dakota, spending time in his early childhood with five doting sisters. Being the only boy, he ruled the roost! In 1961, the family moved to Kalispell. He spent the remainder of his life in the Flathead Valley. 

In 1966, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He enlisted with his cousin Danny Kerzman and friends Bill Johnson and Jack McManus. In 1970, after returning from Vietnam, he married his first great love, Gayle Fish, who fought and lost an 11-year battle with cancer. They were married for 34 years and were blessed with three children: Brady, Jereme and Brian. Dick then had a second chance at love when he met and married Sandi Woodring, whom he spent the next 21 years with. He and Sandi shared a life of love and incredible devotion to each other. A fantastic friendship filled with fun and adventure. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends or neighbors, and he never met a stranger. He was a conversation starter, with a sense of humor that came easily to him. 

Richard worked for the Anaconda Aluminum Plant and retired after 27 years. He made some very close friends there and often shared stories about the pranks that they played on one another, and we are quite sure he was the ringleader of some of these shenanigans. Outside of his work, he loved woodworking and maintaining a beautiful house and landscaped yard. It was a “Better Homes and Gardens” masterpiece. Absolutely beautiful! 

He is survived by his wife Sandi Kolden; two sons Brady Kolden and wife Carey, and Brian Kolden and wife Amanda; grandson Kodie Kolden and wife Taylor, with a great-grandson due in October; granddaughter Kaelee Kolden; grandson Caleb Kolden and granddaughter Delaney Kolden. He is also survived by four sisters: Pat, Sharon, Jean and Janice; and several nieces and nephews, two by marriage, whom he was very close to, Sean and Heather Gilchrist. Also last, but not least, he left behind his two adoring dogs Kira Leah Dawn and Hachi Bachi Boy, whom he affectionately called his “sidekicks.” 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richad and Pearl Kolden; his wife Gayle Kolden; his son Jereme Kolden; his sister Carol Eayers; his brothers-in-law Donny Eayers and Dave Muhlbradt.   

There will be a celebration of life on Richard’s 78th birthday, Aug. 29, at Richard’s family home at his request. 

Richard often commented, “What an amazing and wonderful life he has had.”