Richard Wilson

Richard A. Wilson, 75 of Great Falls, MT, a retired educator, passed away from a short illness surrounded by family on June 23, 2017.A funeral liturgy will be held Friday, June 30, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Holy Spirit Columbarium. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Rich was born May 21, 1942 in Great Falls, MT to Walter Wilson and Pearl (Brown) Wilson. Rich was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up from a young age in Choteau, MT until graduating. Rich was a member of the Marine Reserve, Montana Air National Guard and big game hunting guide in Alaska before deciding to attend college. Rich met the love of his life, Gaile Wilson in 1965. They wed December 31, 1965 and remained happily married for 51 years. From this union Rich and Gaile have two children, Kristina and Heather.Rich received his education degree from Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT and went on to his first teaching career in Shelby, MT. Rich taught History, Government and was a football, basketball, track coach and athletic director. During this time Rich received his Master's degree in School Counseling from Northern College in Havre, MT and an Administration Endorsement from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Rich left Shelby as the Vice Principal after serving the community for 14 years. Rich became the Principal/Superintendent for the community of Dutton, MT. After six years in this position, in 1989 Rich accepted the position as the Principal at Fergus High School in Lewistown, MT. He retired from education in 1995 from Lewistown, MT and moved to Great Falls, MT. Rich had a passion for education and children and until his passing still ran into ex-students who would share admiration for him.Rich was an active member of the Lions Club for over 40 years and dedicated many hours to helping the communities he lived in with this organization. Rich was also active in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls.He is survived by his wife, Gaile; daughters Kristina McCall (husband Doug) and Heather Laughery (husband Justin); five grandchildren, Keith and Lauren McCall, Morgan and Mahayla Rollman, and Brady Laughery; three step grandchildren, Shayla, Preston and Brock Laughery; brothers Walter Jr. and Don; sister Mabel; and several nieces and nephews along with his beloved dog, Moose.