Richard Egebakken

Richard (Rich) Yngvar Egebakken left his earthly home and passed into his heavenly Father's armsJanuary 24, 2023 at the Advanced Care Hospital in Billings, MT. Rich was born in Nasby, England on April 7, 1946 to Yngvar Egebakken and Florence Toseland Egebakken. He suffered a subdural hematoma on December 31, 2022. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and the community he held dear to his heart. Rich's faith was an important part of his life. He attended the American Lutheran Church in Harlowton where he enjoyed fellowship with his church family and friends.

In January of 1947, Rich and his two older brothers, Colin and Karl, all three being under the

age of four years old, set off with their mother Florrie on a ship from Southampton, England to New York. From there they boarded a train to Big Timber, MT, where they all joined Rich's father, Yngvar.

Rich grew up in the Two Dot area, moving to different ranches where his father worked. He was misdiagnosed with polio as a child and spent several months at the Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena which was a very frightening time in his life. He and his two brothers, along with his Haarr cousins, lived in proximity in the communities of Big Timber, Two Dot and Martinsdale, and they spent many years enjoying companionship and mischievous adventures together. Rich completed grade school in Two Dot, MT and graduated from Harlowton High School in 1964. He completed two years of higher education at Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT. He spent six years in the Army and Army National Guard and was honorably discharged October of 1971.

Many people were important mentors throughout Rich's years in public service, though we can't name them all here. Herb Lynn, Bob Willems, and Jim Moore encouraged him in the endeavor of running for sheriff and were always available to guide him. Rich started serving as sheriff of Wheatland County in January of 1971, being the youngest sheriff at age 24 to be elected in Montana. Gordon Hickman, Wheatland County Attorney when Rich was elected Sheriff, was always willing to discuss legal matters and gave guidance. Howard Stewart was Rich's jailor in the early years who once said to Rich, “you know, we don't really get that many truly bad people in here.” Frequently, he would find Howard playing cards or cribbage with whomever was in jail. Rich resigned from Wheatland County Sheriff/Coroner on March 31, 1994. He was appointed as City Judge in 1996 and elected in 1998 for Wheatland County JP and took office in January, 1999. He served his community with integrity, fairness, and compassion for 50 years. He officially retired as Justice of the Peace for Wheatland County, December 31, 2022. Rich had many men and women work with him as deputies, dispatchers, and county employees who remained good friends.

Rich was a humble man, who got the job done with little or no fanfare. He never expected accolades or

praise, but did what needed to be done. His actions impacted all members of his community. If there was one word that epitomized Rich in his public service, it would be fair. Everyone was treated with kindness and respect. He had many friends in law enforcement, the judiciary and community. He would help anyone who needed it or if he saw a need he could meet, he would do so with no recognition expected. Sometimes, it was simple, thoughtful actions such as parking at the far end of the street across from the post office so there would be spaces for the “little old ladies” close to the door.

Rich shared the last 30 years with his beloved wife Julie Voss. In 1993, the two of them bought the Bear Luv-Un Honey business from Virgil and Leola Muir and shortly after were married. He was a faithful, loving, and devoted husband and there was not anything he would not do for any of the family when asked. Rich had three children with first wife Rosemarie Steele: son Dean Richard, daughter Wendy Marie and son Faron Karl, a stepdaughter, Sharon, from his marriage to Kathryn Keller Flatness, and three stepchildren from his marriage to Julie: Shawn, Valley, and Cody Peters.

He spent his free time golfing which he thoroughly enjoyed. Each year he traveled to the south to have a week of golfing with his dear cousin Loren. Full of curiosity with an active intellectual life, Rich enjoyed reading about history and humanity. He also loved doing crossword puzzles and answering trivia questions like those on Jeopardy. As a music lover, Paul McCartney was a favorite and on a Saturday morning you could find him canning up honey, listening to ‘Grass Roots Gold' and to the ‘Lonnie Bell's Country Music Show' on Sunday mornings. His love for animals brought him much joy as well. From rabbits to pigeons and pets Joe, Boots and Vito to insects he carried outside - he had a special place in his heart for all animals.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents Yngvar and Florrie, his brother Karl and brother Colin (who passed away only a few months earlier), his uncle Lars Haarr and aunt Donna Haarr, Larissa Haarr, his father and mother-in-law: Richard and Vivian Voss, brother-in-law Paul Hartman and sister-in-law Andrea Voss. Rich is survived by his spouse, Julie Voss. Children: Dean, Wendy and Faron (Amritha) and step-children; Shawn (Jenny) Peters, Valley (Eduardo Toledo) Peters, Cody Peters and Sharon (Clay) Creek. Grandchildren: Brittany, Brianne, Dante, Jack, Ryann, Gavin, Mythri, Arya, Brilee, Roan, Ryker, Paislee, Caspian, Dax and Ben. Great-grandchild: Sawyer. Other survivors include his dear cousins, Dale (Shelly) Haarr, Loren Haarr, Elaine (Arville) Lammers and Margaret (Leon) Lammers, along with their children. Sister-in-law Virginia Egebakken, nephew Quintin (Debbie) Egebakken and daughter Darcy and niece Tricia (Gary) Guiets. Brother-in-laws Dennis (Erica) Voss and Galen Voss (Jay & Jessamyn, Joy). Sister-in-laws Gail (Butch) Sellman and Colleen (Ray) Vakili. Many dear friends and extended family members, including those who reside in Norway and England.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 3rd in the Harlowton High School Gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Marty Mock officiating. Interment in the Harlowton Cemetery and lunch to follow in the IAGT (Federated Church Building). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church, Jawbone Creek Country Club, Harlowton Food Bank or the Community Builders Food Bank.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.

Rich's family would like to express heartfelt thanks for the quality and urgent need care given to him by the Wheatland Memorial Hospital ER staff in getting him stabilized and flown out to the Billings Clinic Hospital. The Billings Clinic Hospital and the Advanced Care Hospital doctors, nurses and all care providers for the compassionate and kind care given to him and to his family under their care.

Dahl's Funeral Home of Billings MT is assisting the family with final arrangements.