Richard Perry Withycombe

Richard Perry Withycombe, 81, of Missoula, died Wednesday, March 29th at Community Medical Center.

He was born to Richard and Alice Withycombe on September 25, 1935 in Portland, Oregon. He was the youngest of three, following sisters Marilyn and Beverly. He grew up in Bend and McMinnville, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, and followed that with a Masters in industrial engineering again from OSU. While in school, he met and married his lifelong partner, Dalene Busenbark.

After graduation, they moved to Portland where he worked for Tectronix. He couldn’t stay away from school and started teaching night school at Portland State University. He took an enormous leap to follow his dream and moved his family of five to Eugene. He taught and went to school fulltime to complete his Doctorate in Management from the University of Oregon.

Next stop for the lifelong Oregonian was a move to Missoula, Montana and a teaching position at the UM School of Business. He taught at UM for 22 years, serving on numerous committees. He was a passionate supporter of Grizzly sports and was charter member of the SOBA Chopping Party, preparing all of the bits for the jambalaya served at the football tailgates.

After retiring from UM, he started another career based on his passion for woodworking. He was a master carver, helping get A Carousel for Missoula up and running, and continued to carve “with the guys” every Tuesday night. He built a number of custom kitchens around Missoula and his bowls, boxes, and spurtles are in several galleries around Western Montana.

Dick is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Dalene; his children, Lynne and Jeff Sholty, Jeff and Patti Withycombe, and Mary and Kevin Burk; six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Beverly, sister-in-law JoAnn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A reception will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 4th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to A Carousel for Missoula in his memory.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com