Obituary for Richard E. Counter
Rich Counter passed away May 19 after “valiantly raging against the dying light” for the last three months. Rich was born May 6, 1938 to Theo Nevin Counter and Edith Arledge Counter. He grew up in West Yellowstone with his parents, younger sister, Joanne, his grandfather, Earl Counter, and summer visitor Grandmother Mary Counter. Rich’s family moved to Big Timber in 1954. He graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1956. He served in the Navy for the next four years aboard the Aircraft Carrier Lexington and on a LST out of Guam. In 1964, he went to work for the Montana State Highway Department on the core drill. He then transferred to highway maintenance in Big Timber were he later retired in 2000.
He married Janice Maykuth Counter in 1967. They were married 49 years and had two children John and Joyce.
Rich’s loves were his family (especially his three grandsons), reading, pointing out the stupidity of politicians and an ice cold glass of beer. His knowledge of Western and Montana history could have embarrassed a college history professor. Family and friends will fondly remember the many vacations, camping trips and visits to Yellowstone Park with him.
Rich had his own dry sense humor, rapier wit and teasing manner that some enjoyed while others not so much. The things about Rich, that will be sorely missed, are stubbornness, playfulness, and ability to be outspoken at all times. He was a loyal friend and family man willing to help and be there for those he loved.
Rich is survived by his wife, Jan; children- John Counter (Christina), Joyce Stephens (Mark); grandsons-Chase and Chance Stephens and Steffen Counter, all of Big Timber; sister-Joanne Meredith (Mike); niece-Maggie Meredith; nephew-Scott Meredith, all of Helena.
Military graveside services will be at the Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber at 2 PM on Friday, June 3. A reception will be held at the American Legion Post #19 after the service.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Hands Hospice, the Crazy Mountain Museum or the charity of your choice.
He married Janice Maykuth Counter in 1967. They were married 49 years and had two children John and Joyce.
Rich’s loves were his family (especially his three grandsons), reading, pointing out the stupidity of politicians and an ice cold glass of beer. His knowledge of Western and Montana history could have embarrassed a college history professor. Family and friends will fondly remember the many vacations, camping trips and visits to Yellowstone Park with him.
Rich had his own dry sense humor, rapier wit and teasing manner that some enjoyed while others not so much. The things about Rich, that will be sorely missed, are stubbornness, playfulness, and ability to be outspoken at all times. He was a loyal friend and family man willing to help and be there for those he loved.
Rich is survived by his wife, Jan; children- John Counter (Christina), Joyce Stephens (Mark); grandsons-Chase and Chance Stephens and Steffen Counter, all of Big Timber; sister-Joanne Meredith (Mike); niece-Maggie Meredith; nephew-Scott Meredith, all of Helena.
Military graveside services will be at the Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber at 2 PM on Friday, June 3. A reception will be held at the American Legion Post #19 after the service.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Hands Hospice, the Crazy Mountain Museum or the charity of your choice.
To plant a tree in memory of Richard E. Counter, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Graveside Services
Friday
3
Jun
2:00 PM
Mountain View Cemetery
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
Reception to follow at the American Legion Post #19
Memorial Contribution
Crazy Mountain Museum
PO Box 83
Big Timber, MT 59011
Big Timber, MT 59011
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