Richard Allen Nicholson

Richard Allen Nicholson of Havre, Montana, passed away peacefully and painlessly on May 31, 2015, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born to Harold Wayne Nicholson and Molly (Brazier) Nicholson on October 19, 1945, in Fairview, Montana,  He was raised in Sidney, Laurel, Billings  and Havre.

In 1960 he joined the U.S. Army, served two tours in Vietnam and was medically discharged in 1965. In 1969 he married Wanda Lu Bristor, and they had three children. In 1984 he met and married Iris (Kathy) Hanburg who also had three children, Richard worked for the Great Northern Railroad later BNSF Railway until retiring in 1992.

Richard is preceded in death by his father in 1981 and his mother in 2004; his brother, James, in 1941; brother, Wayne, in 1971; and his sister, Cheryl, in 2008.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kathy; six children, Rosalie (Tom) Kiernan of Great Falls, Rebecca Nicholson, Zeb (Shannon) Nicholson, Rachel Wilson-Carpenter (Wes Salisbury), Brian (Amy) Carpenter all of Havre and Chris (Rachel) Smiley-Carpenter of Chinook. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews; his brother, Lee (Nancy) Nicholson, of Helena; and a sister, Charolette (Frank) Meyer, of Choteau.

 There will be a celebration of his life at Hi-Line Funeral Services of Havre, June 5, 2015, at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Highland Cemetery with full military  honors. Reception at the Eagles Club to follow.

Services are being handled by Hi-Line Funeral Service. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.Hi-Line-FuneralServices.com.