Richard Weldon

Richard "Dick" Weldon was born August 17, 1930, in Billings, Montana, the youngest of eight children born to Orville and Elizabeth (Pfaff) Weldon. He was raised and remained on his parents' homestead on Blue Creek, south of Billings, Montana for 93 years. On November 24th he passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

He was educated at Basin Creek country school on Blue Creek, then graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1948. While in high school he was involved in Future Farmers of America, holding a state office in 1947. Dick's favorite sport was boxing and was a member of the Police Athletic League Boxing Club. He became known as a hard hitting "southpaw" boxer.

Following graduation, he partnered with his father in a ranching and farming operation. This started his lifelong career of being a steward of the land and animal husbandry. His life centered around raising cattle, horses, and grain crops. His connection to animals was something to witness. During his lifetime, he worked with draft horse teams then advanced through the years to “modern” farming and ranching equipment. He endured the great gamble of farming – surviving drought years, grasshoppers, hail, grain, and cattle prices, and all the ups and downs of raising crops in Montana. There was always "next year".

On September 22, 1951, he married Monica Michaud from the Pryor Creek area, beginning a love story that lasted 75 years. They formed a tight partnership and worked side-by-side during their 72 years of marriage. Country dances in the 50's were the popular social events and that's how they met. Their love of dancing kept them young at heart for many years. They were blessed with four children: Charles Louis (Mari), Monita Louise (Warren Nemitz), Marc Richard, and Jeffrey Alan (Leslie).

Dick was a quiet man, a good listener, hard worker, faithful to his family, friends, and community. His family, and anyone who worked with him, had to quickly learn how to read his non-verbal instructions. There are stories.

He enjoyed and was so proud of his grandchildren: Richard Cassady (Theresa), Kasey Minkoff (Scott), Seth Nemitz (Andrea), Megan Woodard (Josh), Jake Weldon, Katelyn Weldon, and Helen Weldon. Each spent much of their younger lives working with and helping their grandpa on the ranch on Blue Creek gaining valuable knowledge and life lessons from him.

Dick was blessed with grand greats: Daniel Cassady (Chelsea), Alex Telck (Stephanie), Cree Minkoff (Lori), Max Nemitz, Tig Minkoff, Eily Nemitz, Teagan Minkoff, and Forrest Woodard. And this year he was blessed with great-great grands: Marlee Minkoff and Talia Telck.

Dick served on several community governing boards, including Blue Creek School Board, Farmers Union Oil Company, Valley Credit Union, Yellowstone Pioneers, and served on the board of the Yellowstone Valley Rural Electric Co-Op for 39 years. He was proud to represent this as his father and father-in-law had been early volunteers that were instrumental in bringing electric power to the Blue Creek area.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Hazel, brothers George Weldon, Ben Weldon, Charles Weldon, Clinton Weldon, sisters Maeona Smith and Delores Propp, and infant son, Marc.

He is survived by Monica, his children, Chuck, Monita, and Jeff, his grandchildren, his great and great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and extended family in the Weldon, Pfaff, and Michaud families.

A memorial and celebration of Dick's life is being planned for Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Valley Bible Church at 3603 O'Shea Circle in Billings, MT.

Additional information will be announced as the date draws near.

In lieu of flowers, the Weldon family would like donations made to Riverstone Hospice.