Rickie Benson Boswell, 58, of Troy

Rickie Benson Boswell, 58, of Troy passed away Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the Libby Care Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rickie was born Jan. 22, 1955, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Alfred and Luella Boswell. He attended school in Troy and was a renowned Golden Glove Boxer with a record of 80 wins and 11 losses. Rickie held the Native American boxing championship title and was deemed as the toughest Native American boxer nationally in his 132-pound weight class in the 1970s.

Rickie worked as a powder man at the Troy Mine before moving to the Washington coast where he became a prestigious chainsaw artist winning numerous competitions and prizes. Among his creations were various marine animals, benches and a carving entitled “Out of the Rubble” that depicts three firemen erecting a flag in the rubble of the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. He and co-carver Nyal Thomas, Jr., traveled east with this 8,000 pound carving where it was received by Squad 1 of the New York Fire Department in Park Slope Brooklyn.

Rickie was a loyal friend, gifted artist, avid sports fan who enthusiastically followed the Seattle Seahawks, and all around hard worker he will be missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alfred Adrian Boswell, Sr.; his mother, Luella Boswell; his brother, Alfred Adrian Boswell, Jr.; and his sister, Ramona Boswell.

He is survived by his son, Jacob Boswell; wife, Claire; grandchildren, Raleigh and Kyleigh of Springfield Va.; his daughter, Shevone Shaver, and grandchildren, Luke, Bo and David of Troy; granddaughter, Secret Smith of Centralia Wash.; his brother, Mark (Tammie) Boswell of Troy; his brother, Tyler Boswell of Troy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday June 27, 2013, at the Troy Church of God located at 212 Kalispell Ave. in Troy. All condolences can be sent in care of Mark Boswell, P.O. Box 457, Troy Mont., 59935.