Richard Darsow, 73

Longtime member of the Libby community Richard "Rich" Darsow, 73, died peacefully on Sept. 2, 2020. He was surrounded by his children and the thoughts and prayers of his extended family and friends.

Rich was born in Libby on Oct. 11, 1946, to Bill and Jerry Darsow, and grew up as the youngest of four brothers. After graduating from Libby Senior High School, Rich began college at Montana State University in Bozeman. In 1968, his studies were interrupted when he voluntarily joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served a tour in Vietnam in D Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. Following his honorable discharge in 1969, Rich returned to Bozeman to complete his bachelor’s degree and earn a master’s degree in education. He accepted a job in Libby teaching business education at Libby Senior High School, where he worked until his retirement.

Rich was an active member of the Libby community. He played in the Libby softball, pool and bowling leagues, coached youth football and golf, and was a member of the ELKS club, VFW and the American Legion. Rich golfed as many days of the year as the Cabinet View Country Club and the weather would permit. When that was not enough, he would travel south with friends in the winter to catch a few additional days on the courses of Arizona and California. He was an avid fisherman and a gifted artist. He loved spending time in the outdoors and always kept a watchful eye on the birds and animals that lived in the forest near his home.

Rich was a proud and loving father and the most devoted of grandfathers. He enjoyed his two grandchildren immensely and delighted in spoiling them. Throughout his life, Rich established a remarkable extended “family of friends” who have always been an integral and cherished part of his life. He will be greatly missed.

Rich was preceded in death by his mother, father and two of his brothers: Norman Darsow of Tacoma, Wash., and Leonard Darsow of Gig Harbor, Wash. His survivors include his brother, Donovan Darsow of Kennewick, Wash.; his daughter, Tamara Darsow, her husband, Anthony Moreau, and their two children, all of Copenhagen, Denmark; and his son, Richard Allen Darsow of Libby.

Arrangements are being handled by Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Libby Cemetery on Sept. 14, 2020, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Legion. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.