Richard LaGaly

Richard gave us all one last smile and a "thumbs up" early Friday evening as he had finally lost his long battle with cancer. He was 82. Dick was born April 26th, 1935 in Billings, Montana to Carl and Ella LaGaly. Dick was the youngest of eight children and soon realized that his tough and humble upbringing would have to be met with hard work and a dedicated desire to succeed in life. Dick attended Billings Catholic schools along with his brothers and sisters and there are a few documented stories that seem to indicate that he was sometimes a bit of an instigator in school. Dick enjoyed his young life and grew up with most of his lifelong friends. Dick enlisted in the US Navy at age 16 and left for Bremerton, Washington. He spent time there along with a tour of Duty in Guam. When Dick returned to Billings in the mid 1950's, he attended college and took on jobs in the construction Industry. He sought to fine tune his carpentry skills that he had learned in his early years and in the Navy. His desire was to become what he considered a "Master Craftsmen" and most who know of his work would agree that he accomplished that goal. In 1958, Dick met his lifelong soulmate Doris and they were wed on Christmas Eve 1959. It was at this time that Dick chose to pursue his passion for Law Enforcement and began his rewarding career with The Billings Police Department. Dick loved watching over the people of Billings and enjoyed being a part of his Community and loved his fellow officers. Dick was always all about "where he came from" and for his years as a Billings Police officer, he "walked the beat" in South and Downtown Billings. He always said that it was the best way to make new friends. In 1972, Dick accepted the appointment of Undersheriff of Billings. He would continue his Law Enforcement career for a few more years until he decided it was time to give back to the community in a different way. Dick began working as a carpenter and enjoyed doing home kitchen and bathroom remodels and enjoyed working with homeowners to improve their properties. It was not long before Doris reminded Dick that she respected his career choice, but was hoping that he would ask for payment for his work. He just smiled and chuckled. Through the course of his Carpentry career, Dick and his brother Bob donated hours of labor to Billings' projects and took great pride in their construction that is still part of our lives today. Dick was hired by the State of Montana to be the Carpenter for what was then Eastern Montana College. Dick again loved his job and all of the friends he made. He shared his retirement in 2004 with a huge gathering at MSU-B. Up until last October, Dick spent his free time helping elderly people that he became acquainted with and also was the primary caregiver for two of his close friends who recently passed away. Dick was not only an accomplished builder, but was a well travelled fisherman. He enjoyed his years fishing in Montana, but especially appreciated his frequent trips to Canada and Alaska where he always returned feeling most gracious for his adventures. He enjoyed his many years at both Cobb Field and Dehler Park watching his son and grandsons' play baseball. For years he enjoyed Billings Legion Baseball and watching The Billings Mustangs. Dick loved his family, his friends and also The Seattle Mariners. Dick and Doris celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on Christmas Eve four weeks ago. Dick had a successful life and career. He was grateful. He always paid it forward and helped many people in his life. The LaGaly family would like to express our appreciation for all the love and care he received from the staffs of Billings Clinic, Valley Care Center and Riverstone Hospice in his final days. Richard is survived by his wife Doris, his son Art and wife Deanna. Three grandchildren; Nolan, Tony and Lonny all of whom he loved dearly. Also survived by his sisters; Carol and Joan. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Bill, Bob and Don and sisters; Mary and Barb. Dick requested that his body be donated for scientific research and then Cremation will follow. There will be a private ceremony in Bremerton, Washington and A Celebration of Richard's Life will be at a later date this summer. “For The Sake of All Dogs” make donations to the Billings Animal Shelter in Richard's name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com