Richard G. Goar

Richard G. Goar, 86, of Great Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Peace Hospice. A celebration of life will take place this summer on his birthday in the Kings Hill area. Cremation has taken place in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home. Richard was born July 7, 1929 to John Walter and Helen De’Ette Goar in St. Paul, MN. He was the youngest of four children – James W., Martha H., and Audrey M. He graduated from Central High School of St. Paul in 1947 and then served in the U.S. Navy. Richard spent 34 years and 3,000,000 miles driving a semi-trailer truck as a Teamster. In August of 1950, Richard married Patricia I. Peterson. Richard and Patricia had six children; De’Ette G., Patti Jo, John R., Elizabeth P., Mary Lee, and Paul L. They lived in MN, MO, IA, TX and MT. Richard was medically retired in 1983 and at that time moved to Great Falls. In the later 1980’s he opened Goarhausen Woodcraft and built small chests, signs, and cut wood for tole painters during the knick-knack craze of the 1990’s. In 1991 he married his beloved wife, Sarah E. (Willoughby) and became step father to Donald and Brian Walker. His hobbies were wood crafting, Amateur Radio (NN7E), camping and maintaining the home. Richard is survived by his loving wife; daughters De’Ette (Carl) Petrie, Patti Jo (Dennis) Caldwell, and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Michael) Shuler; son John (Janelle); step-son Brian (Nina) Walker; ten grandchildren; four step granddaughters; eleven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James; sister Audrey; infant daughter Mary Lee; adult son Paul; wife Patricia; and step son Donald Walker. The family thanks Dr. Martin and staff, Sletten Oncology, Benefis Oncology, and Peace Hospice for their wonderful care.