Richard T Burton

Richard T. Burton, 60, passed away November 4, 2014 from renal cell cancer at Peace Hospice. A vigil service will be held Friday November 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. OConnor Funeral home is entrusted with arrangements. Rick was born June 11, 1954 to Peggy J. and William J. Burton. Rick received his education in Great Falls, but spent a majority of his childhood working with his grandpa, Richard Thompson, on his farm in Brady. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1972, and then spent a semester at MSU Bozeman. He returned to Great Falls and learned a trade in jewelry repair and watch building, and worked at that for a few years. Rick became a teamster and began work for the city of Great Falls in 1977, where he remained until his retirement in 2008. Rick had numerous hobbies, including stamp collecting, bowling, golf, and backpacking with his brothers and friends. The center of his life was his family; his parents, grandparents, and especially his nine siblings with numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed, and remembered for his strength, family loyalty, and ability to smile through it all. He is survived by five sisters – Anna (Rob) Wienholz, of Great Falls, Sue (Steve) Milch of Billings, Sheila (Bruce) Kelly of Colorado Springs, CO, Mary (Tim) Nessan of Billings, and Shirley (Allan) Woods of Windsor, CO; two brothers – Joe Whitaker of Great Falls and Tim (Geri) Burton of Helena. He was preceded in death by his father, William James Burton; his brothers, Charlie Whitaker and William James Burton Jr.; his step-father Jack T. Whitaker; and mother Peggy J. Whitaker. The family request casual attire for the vigil and funeral, and would love to see Yankee, Greenbay Packer, or Norte Dame attire to honor Rick. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Ricks name to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S, Great Falls, Montana, 59405.