Duane Alan Richards

Duane Alan Richards was born Jan. 1, 1950, in Springfield, Mo. He died Aug. 3, 2021 in Libby, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Ruth Richards, and brothers, Jimmy and Larry. He is survived by his siblings, Becky Parrish (Kenneth) of Walnut Grove, Mo., Judy Pewitt (Bruce) of Cicero, Ind., Gary Joe Richards of Libby and Debbie Orcutt (Robert) of Cicero, Ind. He was loved by many nieces and nephews and was especially close to his cousin, David.

He leaves behind many caring longtime friends, including Dan Howard, JoAnn Armstrong, Nancy (DeeDee) Matter and Mark Osteen.

Duane graduated from Libby High School in 1968 and attended Montana State University, where he studied filmmaking. He enjoyed photography and was the official family photographer. He set up his own darkroom and developed his many photographs. He loved music and playing the guitar, and was an avid fan of The Beatles and Beatles memorabilia. He enjoyed watching “Jeopardy” and he was a tough competitor. He was smart, kind and had a quick wit. One of the joys in his life was teaching his nephews and nieces how to play board games.

As a young adult, Duane enjoyed riding his motorcycle and skydiving. His life was forever altered when, at 25, he was diagnosed with a progressive spinal cord disease. Although he was homebound, he embraced technology that allowed him access to the world beyond his house.

Duane adored his cat Gracie. He loved strawberry milk, Juicy Fruit gum and black licorice. He said that Amazon “changed my life!”

Nieces and nephews looked forward to his unique presents and considered him the “best gift-giver ever!” He was honored to create the Sunday Bulletin for the Libby Church of God for 26 years and took great pride in his work.

Duane was able to stay independent and remain in his own home because of the love and support he received from many caring people. His family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to his neighbors, Joe and Cindy Miller and Gary and Jill Beach, and Addus Homecare and his special friend and caregiver, Don Tinnell. We also thank Dr. Glenne Gunther and the staff at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for their compassionate care and support of Duane and his family.

Anyone who knows Duane knows of his kind and generous heart. Throughout his life, he sponsored under-served children through the Christian Children’s Fund. Donations in his memory may be made at www.childfund.org.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

Messages and condolences may be sent to www.schnackenbergfh.com. A private family service celebrating Duane’s life will be held at a later date.