Richard R. 'Dick' Cleary

Richard R. 'Dick' Cleary

Richard R. "Dick" Cleary, 66, of Havre passed away Feb. 27 of natural causes.

His memorial service will be 4 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Home Chapel, with a social gathering to follow at the Havre Elks Club.

Memorials in Richard's honor may be made to the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, to be used to give a needed pacemaker to dogs and other animals.

Richard was born in Havre on Feb. 20, 1947, to Beulah and James Richard Cleary.

He attended schools in Havre. Upon completion of high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served his country in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

Richard started his career with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Havre. He transferred to Seattle, Wash., where he met and married Cheryl DeGraff. He worked in Spokane, Wash., and eventually landed back in Havre as a supervisor in the diesel shop. Richard retired at an early age due to health reasons and continued living in Havre.

Richard enjoyed meticulously taking care of his lawn and tinkering around the house with several projects. He and Cheryl relished the peace and tranquility of the "North Fork Country" spending most summers there.

Beaver Creek Park was a favorite spot as well. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, watching sports and a good movie.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father and a sister, Elouise Schroeder.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Havre; sister, Betty Grant of Havre; daughter, Christa; sons, Richie and Jimmy; stepsons, Steven and Joe DeGraff and their families; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Terry) Emmett; brother-in-law, Doug (Tawnie) Bunke; and several nieces and nephews, including Debra Vandeberg, Lori Kanning; R.L. Grant, Kim Grant, Sheri Steiner, Dr. Janis Ells, Jeri St. Clair, Mike Schroeder, Monique Brazil, Justin Dean, Doug Bunke and Christine Bunke. He will also be greatly missed by his furry companions, Sissy and Sammy.

May he be at peace.