Richard Nelson Jr.

My Brother, My Friend

MISSOULA – Richard William ("Cowboy Rick," "Shiny") Nelson Jr. was born April 2, 1951, to Richard William Nelson and Dora Molly (Longwell) Nelson. He was the first of six children. Being the son of a military father, he lived in many different states and Yalova, Turkey. He graduated in 1971 from high school in Midwest City, Okla. He helped move his family to North Dakota after high school. In 1972 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He finished his enlistment in 1973 with a disability and returned to North Dakota. He met his wife in Minot, N.D., and had two children, Amanda and Brian. He moved to Missoula in 1979 and was there until his death. He leaves behind his brothers, Ben (Medora) Nelson of Cooperstown, N.D., Roger (Sharon) Nelson of Bismarck, N.D., and James Nelson, Burns, Ore.; two sisters, Deborah (Cliff) Maier of Missoula and Shanna Nelson of Seattle; nephews, Benjamin Nelson, Dustin Maier and Ryan Nelson; nieces, Scarlet Neiter, Kelly and Anna Nelson; eight grandnieces and nephews. Also his beloved dog, Mandy, who was his greatest companion. Greeting him in heaven are grandparents; parents and his beautiful niece, Elizabeth Nelson.

Services are planned for 2 p.m . Saturday, Aug. 31, at Garden City Funeral Home. Friends wishing to pay their respects may do so in a private setting at Garden City, prior to services, from noon until 2 p.m. A reception will follow services at the home of Bernie and Claudia Wevers at 11450 Highway 200 E., Bonner.

A very special thank you to Bernie and Claudia Wevers family for 20 wonderful years of loving support.

Read Richard Nelson Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.