Richard Fryhover Obituary

On July 9, 2011, Richard F. Fryhover died of natural causes, with family by his side, at the end of a life well-lived.

Dick loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Marge, his best friend and wife of 57 years, who passed away in November 2008. His heart beat a little faster whenever Marge entered the room, and he often noted how time moved slower since her passing.

He was born in McAlester, Okla. on January 18, 1928. He was raised and went to school in Cortez, Colo.

Dick was the product of a hardscrabble childhood, working as a manual laborer at a young age to provide for his mother and siblings. He served our country with honor in the Korean War. He worked in a variety of jobs after he and Marge started raising their family, including guiding and outfitting, retail sales and real estate sales. He had a love affair with the outdoors, fishing and floating Montana's rivers and streams, and hunting her mountains and meadows.

The only thing Dick enjoyed more than going fishing or hunting with friends, was coming home to family. He delighted in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His chest swelled with pride in their accomplishments, and his eyes teared in their absence.Two grandchildren and a great-grandchild left us before Dick.

He leaves behind his daughters, Denise (Tim) Gleason, Darla (Brad) Newman and Deah (Bruce) Dunkle, his son, Richard Fryhover, his daughter-in-law, Patricia Norton, 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives, friends and neighbors, including his lifelong pal, Dr. Jack McMahon, Sr., and the entire McMahon clan that he regarded as his second family.

Dick expressed his friendship in a way that is underrated now. A handshake or a hug was the only proper greeting. He believed in living life to its fullest, and in retelling the tales around a campfire or coffee table many times over. His word was his bond. He was there for friends and family in good times and in times of need.Dick measured wealth by the number of friends he made, and he considered himself the richest man in the world.

Good things don't always come to an end. Dick leaves a legacy like the ripples left on the water's surface by a finely-cast fly. His spirit remains in the lives he has touched. We will keep his memory alive by keeping family first and by being there for our friends and neighbors.

Cremation has occurred and Dick's ashes will be placed next to his beloved Marge at the VA Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Mont. A service to celebrate Dick's life and to retell a few of his tales was conducted on July 20, at the First Christian Church in Helena, Mont. In lieu of flowers, Dick would suggest that you take your children or grandchildren to lunch.