DICK BANKS obituary

SUNLAND, Calif. - Dick Banks, 68, of Sunland, Calif., died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, at his home of cancer with his family at his side.

A celebration of his life was scheduled for this evening at Joselito's Restaurant in Montrose, Calif. A memorial service will be held in Montana at a later date.

Dick was

born Sept. 16, 1936, in Havre to Cliff and Jewell Banks. Shortly after graduating from the University of Montana, he moved Minneapolis to enter the women's fashion business with Buttrey Stores. Dick eventually became vice president and sales manager of the 26-store company.

In Minneapolis, he met Dana and they married in 1971. They moved to the foothills that year to join his parents in the children's wear business. The following spring, he greatly expanded the business, moving to a new location on Honolulu Avenue and including women's fashions. During his 27-year tenure in the Montrose Shopping Park, Dick served on the MSP board of directors and was advertising director for many years. Always an advocate for the improvement and key issues concerning the shopping park, he worked hard for maintaining the charm and unique quality of Montrose.

Taking a brief respite after closing the store in 1998, Dick became involved in real estate and was with Re/Max for the past five years.

He was an avid race car enthusiast. He was once the co-owner of a championship sprint car with a close friend and traveled around the country to races. In later years, his passion turned to golf and visiting Whitefish, spending as much time there as possible.

Survivors include his wife, Dana, of Sunland Calif.; son, Rick of Sunland, Calif.; sister, Judy Banks Demetriou of Palm Desert; and nephew, Todd Banks, of La Quinta, Calif.