Richard "Rick" Arnold Evans

Richard "Rick" Arnold Evans was born on October 13, 1941, to George and Gertrude Evans in Wanda, MN. Following his childhood in Minnesota, he moved to Havre, MT with his brother, Dave, to work on a farm.

After college at MSU-Northern, Rick began a long retail career first with JC Penney and then with Herbergers. He moved several times during his career with time in Minot, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Billings, and Havre. He managed the Herbergers store in Great Falls for twenty years. "Mr. E," as he was known around Herbergers, retired in 1998 but soon began a new career as the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director in 2000. He retired from the Chamber position in 2006 but returned a few years later in 2008 to serve as the Interim Executive Director for a shorter period of time.

Rick is best known for his passion and commitment to the community. In 1998 he received the Sam Walton Leadership Award. Over the years he served on a wide range of boards and committees including 1st Interstate Bank, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, United Way, American Red Cross, Deaconess Hospital, and later Benefis Healthcare, Spectrum Medical, Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Association of Chamber Executives, Meadowlark Country Club, and the Great Falls Voyagers. For many years, he facilitated arrangements for Camp Rotary and treated it like his second home by driving up to greet campers, stocking supplies, and just checking in to make sure everything was as it should be.

In 1963, he married Patty "Rose" Bohn and they had two children, Rick and Becky. Patty passed away in 1994. Rick later met and married Deb Lautenbaugh, and they lived together in Great Falls for over 25 years.

Rick was a very active golfer and loved attending baseball and basketball games. Every season, he could be found faithfully in the stands at high school games and tournaments and the Great Falls Voyager games.

Rick and Deb loved to travel, hike, and cook together. They made several trips to Italy and France. Rick also had the chance to experience a special golf trip to Scotland with his son and had many happy memories from that trip. Deb turned Rick into an avid reader. He appreciated westerns and legal thrillers in particular. For Rick, there was nothing better than to get in the car and drive somewhere, preferably down some side road, not necessarily with a destination in mind. He just enjoyed the ride. Rick and Deb both enjoyed walking the River’s Edge Trail and until his illness progressed that was one of Rick’s favorite activities.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gertrude; his wife, Patty; brothers, Ken, Lewis, Dave, George, John, and Russ; sisters-in-law, Judy Evans, Bev Evans, Gail Evans, Cheryl Evans, Cecilia Evans, and Kay Evans. He is survived by Deb; children, Rick (Apryl) Evans of Plainfield, Il and Becky (Russ) Carlson of Billings; grandchildren, Melissa (Dan) Kaltenberg, Kayla Evans, and Cody Evans; three great- grandchildren; brothers, Bob Evans and Chuck Evans; sisters-in-law, Dixie Evans and Sandy Evans; and many nieces and nephews.

Rick battled Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s dementia for many years and succumbed on March 11, 2023, at Peace Hospice. Deb would like to express her love and gratitude to the many staff at Benefis Eastview who cared for Rick in his final years and to the staff at Peace Hospice for his final days. She also extends a special thanks to longtime friend, Charlie Maki, who visited Rick faithfully during his illness. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the final arrangements.

In Rick’s memory, please consider a donation to the Rivers Edge Trail Foundation, Benefis Foundation, or the Rotary Foundation. No services are planned at this time. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.