Richard "Dick" Edwin Tyler was born on the family farm May 29, 1934. He left this world for the next one on the same farm September 30, 2016. He was 82 years old.
Dick attended the Mountain View country school approximately 1 ½ miles from the farm. He graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1952.
Dad was an avid Weatherbee gun collector, and would only have them in his collection if he thought they were pretty enough. He was proud to show them to all who stopped by to visit.
Dad had a lifelong love for hunting and being outdoors. Some of the most enjoyable times of his life were elk hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at the K Bar L Ranch. In his younger days, Dick spent a lot of time hunting at the Leo and Beverly Faber ranch in the Bear Paws. The Bear Paws was also a favorite place for Dad to go fishing. Dad also spoke fondly of running the set lines with his dad, Charles, and Uncle Gordon on the Missouri River by the Terry Ranch.
Dad also looked forward to attending the Great Falls and the Big Sandy Gun Shows, and he liked to hang around the Bing and Bobs Sporting Goods store in Havre.
Dad loved to watch Griz Football and Basketball on TV, though he preferred watching the Lady Griz over the Men's team.
Dad was a skilled carpenter. It's not unusual to walk through the buildings on the farm and see his handwriting and math calculations on boards here and there. Dad was a big believer in measure twice, cut once. He really enjoyed designing the new shop in 2008. It was very meaningful to him to have many friends and neighbors join in to complete this project. His daughter Darla and several children in the local neighborhood spent their youngest days sleeping in a hand-made wooden crib made with his exacting measurements and loving touch.
Dick was a lifelong farmer in the Kenilworth community. He was proud of the fact that he had been a part of every harvest since the age of 11. Dad loved his trusty Versatile 825 tractor and his pride and joy machine was the Case IH 1680 combine. Dad was very proud of Randall's farming instincts, as he would tell people Randall first started farming at age 7 driving Grandpa's truck while they loaded hay bales. The farm now has three generations of Tyler farmers.
People who drove by the tidy farm on the prairie probably often did a double take to see Texas Longhorns munching on grass by the road. Dad enjoyed his cattle for many years, and his animals never longed for good grass to eat or cool, clean water to drink.
Yogi, his farming and ranching Husky companion, would often be at his side feeding the cows and riding around in the pickup to see what needed to happen next. If Dad went somewhere, Yogi did too.
Over the years, walking back to the seed truck, Dad would walk the sandy and blown out areas and found several arrowheads. He amassed quite a collection and even found a soldier's dog tags.
Dad really enjoyed telling stories. Many times he and his brother Junior would be at the harvest or holiday supper table recalling their days of high school hijinks and still found them so funny both of them would be sitting there laughing so hard tears were running down their faces. Dad njoyeed a good visit and loved to go see friends and neighbors and have people come visit the farm.
He is survived by his wife Lenore; son Randall; daughter Darla (Dave), two step-granddaughters Rachel and Cortney; sister Shirley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Marion, and brother Junior.
Dad we love you and miss you. The farm is in caring, capable hands and you don't have to worry. Your eternal rest is well-deserved.
Cremation has taken place, and memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016, at the Big Sandy Church of God with Pastor Erik Sietsema officiating. Dick's family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department, the Big Sandy Medical Center, or to the Charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Dick's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
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