Gregory Richau

Gregory Allan Richau was born on January 3, 1950 in Billings, Montana to Lavio and Janis Richau. He was soon joined by siblings, Kevin and Ellen and much later gained another sister by adoption, our niece, Brittnay. In the fourth grade, his father built the first house in the heights, at the corner of Shamrock and Hilltop. Greg's son and grandson slept in the same built-in bunk beds he and Kevin shared. Following high school Greg soon joined work with his father and brother installing kitchens through the American Appliance Company - his meticulous finish work gained him a reputation as an artist. Greg and Kevin stepped out on their own (Richau Brothers Construction) doing larger commercial jobs across various states in the West. Greg married Deborah Lou Cowan, but told her early on a prerequisite for marriage was a scuba diving certificate. She ran to the Y and they began their adventures together on July 7, 1973, celebrating 48 years together just 10 days before he succumbed to the ravages of strokes and Parkinson's disease. For Greg, work was more of a means to an end so that he could travel and pursue his hobbies (did I say that? I meant obsessions) including gold mining, rock hunting and collecting, primitive tool making, and exploring biology of the ocean by scuba diving. He knew Montana wasn't big enough for him and was always looking for the answers to life's questions by exploring other cultures from the mystery and lore of the pyramids of Egypt, the ruins of the Mayans in Guatemala and Mexico and to the rich Native American history in Montana. It is no surprise to find arrowheads in jars all over the house that he had set aside, much to our delight. One would be remiss not to mention the years he worked for Mountain Mudd Manufacturing managing the creation of the beloved icons, the Mountain Mudd houses, famous for drive up coffee. Greg oversaw the construction and the sending off to many cities around the country. The crew became his second family as one of the few places around that incorporated a prayer room in the job site. That was Greg's influence on the company. Greg passed on to Jesus for his next trip, leaving Deborah, daughter Sienna, son Benjamin (Bree), and grandson, Ayden who he was delighted to help raise. His other grandchildren, Bella Rose, Adrik Grady, and Franklyn Phineas will sorely miss their Pops at their games and events especially, our spaghetti dinners together. Burial has already taken place according to his wishes. He was buried the same day he passed, making the last trip to the mountains with his brother and nephew, and all grandchildren and children participated in the private family service. Not many of us are honored to have their son bless our burial but Greg did! We publicly thank the folks at Compassus Hospice, and the Right at Home gals for their excellent care of Greg. We give him now, into the hand of the Lord we all serve, trusting to join the choirs of angels singing their praises for eternity. Please join us for his “Living a Life Well Lived Memorial” on August 8, at one o'clock at Trinity Lutheran School, 2802 Belvedere Drive. Join us for some of Greg's favorite food! Memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran School at the above address.