Richard "Dick" Whitmore

Richard Keith Dick Whitmore, 83, of Great Falls, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Benefis Hospital due to respiratory failure.Per Dicks request no services are being held. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Dick was born on July 31, 1931 to Robert and Emily Whitmore in Williston, ND. When he was quite young, he moved to Great Falls with his parents, five brothers and one sister. He attended schools in Great Falls and Mount Ellis in Bozeman until he was 16. He lied about his age, joined the Navy and served in the Korean War aboard the USS Brush. The ship hit a floating mine, several were injured by the explosion, but Dick was not hurt. The USS Brush was eventually able to make it to Japanese shores on its own power. His GED was awarded to him due to his service in the Korean War. He was so honored to receive it, and that GED meant so much to him.On April 11, 1951, Dick married Shirley J. Avery in Fort Benton. After his discharge, they moved back to Great Falls where their three children were born. Dick worked as a pipefitter for the Anaconda Company until its closing in the 1980s. He then worked at Hanford Nuclear Plant in WA until his retirement in 1992. His wife, Shirley, passed away of cancer on July 1, 1998. He then moved back to Great Falls for the rest of his retirement.He met Carol R. Kajin, a retired teacher, on December 30, 1999. Dick and Carol were married on May 18, 2001 in Lewistown, MT. They enjoyed being together and traveling by plane and in Dicks motorhome.Dick was an avid animal lover, who often took in strays and cared for them. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Spending time in the company of his friends was very special to him. He so enjoyed his 80th surprise birthday party, held by his family at the Eagles Lodge, for family and friends. Aging took its toll on Dick, so Carol was his caregiver during his final years.He is survived by his wife, Carol Whitmore of Great Falls; son Steve (Trudy) Whitmore of Fairfield; daughter Sue (Bob) Lysher of West Richland, WA; and son Ron Whitmore of WA; grandchildren are Michael Whitmore (Michaela), Katie Whitmore (Pat) and future great-granddaughter due in January; Jeff Myre, Justin (Aliya) Myre; two great-granddaughters, Raija Faith Buley and Brianne Terry; and numerous nieces and nephews.Dick was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and sister. He was the last surviving sibling.A private burial of ashes will be held at a later date in the spring.Memorials may be given to the Animal Foundation of Great Falls, PO Box 3426, Great Falls, MT 59403, Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, or a charity of the donors choice.