Rick Allen Schatz

– Rick A. Schatz, 49, also known as "Schatzie," died at home of natural causes Monday, July 25, 2016. He was born Sept. 23, 1966, in Missoula to Victor and Karen Schata.

He was a Northsider all the way. He went to Whittier Grade School and graduated from Hellgate High in 1985. Rick played on the first Hellgate state championship basketball team in 1985.

Rick played Little League baseball, played on the Missoula Mavs and played fastpitch for many years. He loved sports, especially the New York Yankees and Oakland Raiders.

He coached at Loyola-Sacred Heart High School, the boys' and girls' basketball teams and the girls' softball team. He also coached with his cousin, Brian Bessette, at Sentinel High School girls' softball team. Rick coached Hellgate High School basketball with his best friend, Jim Sampson. In 2005, Hellgate boys won the state title again, 20 years after his first state championship as a player.

For the past 14 years, Rick worked at Bonner Grade School. He loved his job and all his co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Victor, and his grandparents, Peter and Hilda Schatz.

Rick is survived by his mother, Karen of Missoula; his brother, Jay (Dana) of Missoula; two nieces, Ashlyn and Sara of Missoula; his grandparents, Jesse and Dorothy Pierce of Missoula; his aunt and uncle, Pam and Gene Leonard, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his big bro, Jim Sampson.

Rick will be remembered by all of his friends from the Northside, coaches and players.

There will be a get-together at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Red's Bar.