Ricky (Rick) Lawrence Skocilich passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 7 ^th at his home.

Rick (Papa, Pops) Skocilich was born August 26, 1944, in Tacoma, Washington to Larry and Dorothy (Lockwood) Skocilich. He grew up with brothers Dusty, Mike, Marty, and sister Debby in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1962. He remained a proud Copperhead his entire life. He always attended class reunions and enjoyed connecting with old classmates each summer during Art in the Park.

Grandma Gladys Parent had a special bond with Rick, and in her eyes, he could do no wrong. She was like a second mother to him.

Rick married Barbara Jean Schafer, and together they had Kim, Rick, Jr., and Kevin. They later divorced. He wed Lolly Salminen, and they also divorced.

Rick met Karlene Wulf and they built their life together with some of his, some of hers, and an unconditional love for each other that lasted through thick and thin until Rick passed. They made their partnership official in December 1992. They understood each other in ways that nobody else could. They embraced one another's quirks and always gave each other a safe place to land.

An animal lover at heart, Rick raised dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, pigs, horses, skunks, and deer. He always had a canine buddy around with Fred the golden retriever being his favorite.

Rick was multi-talented and held a wide variety of jobs over the years. He worked as a mental health counselor at Montana State Hospital and Western Montana Mental Health, landscaper at Big Sky Sprinklers, backyard mechanic, and maybe his most entertaining job, a bouncer at Jox Sports and Spirits.

Rick was a collector of all things – guns, tools, coins, music, and cars. If family or friends needed something, no matter how obscure or rare, he would walk out to his garages or sheds and come back with three or four choices. He also collected stories and memories, sometimes true, and sometimes sprinkled with a little BS. He loved his gun collection and enjoyed local gun shows with his brothers Dusty and Mike. He never argued, but simply explained why he was right. His adventures were legendary, from frequently getting stuck in the woods to moving heavy old cars around in creative ways. He may have been the last Columbia House music collection subscriber, and Pops liked to Rock!

The kids of the family brought out the best in Rick. He collected treasures for them, often from garage sales or gun shows. Sometimes the grown-ups did not properly appreciate the treasures, but the kids always knew how special they were.

Rick treasured his morning coffee dates with special granddaughter Valerie at her home. Val had a special mug reserved for him that said, "My Favorite Granddaughter Gave Me This Mug."  They had a connection that was one of a kind.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gladys Parent, parents Larry and Dorothy Skocilich, grandson Justin Skocilich, sisters-in-law Ann and Heidi Skocilich, great-nephew Christopher Bomar, and ex-wife Lolly (Salminen) Skocilich.

He is survived by his wife Karlene; children Kim Skocilich Shannon, Rick (Patty) Skocilich,  Kevin (Tracy) Skocilich; stepchildren Shane (April) Salminen, Dawn (Dan) Petritz; grandchildren Valerie (Mike) Krankowski, Kevin (Dani) Shannon, Danielle, Brandon and Brendan Skocilich, Xana, Lyla, and Caly Skocilich, Vincent (Jamie), Paolo and Odin Salminen, Archie and Aidan Petritz; and great grandchildren Jordyn and Joe Sandoval, Blake, Landon and Vaida Giacomino, and Jackson, Tucker and Aylinn Skocilich.

Rick is also survived by brothers Dusty, Mike, and Marty (Michelle) Skocilich, sister Debby (Cecil) Hill; nieces and nephews DeeAnn (Dan) McNay, Tonya Skocilich, Michael (Heather) Skocilich, Melanie (Carlos) Barrios, Raymond (Nora) Skocilich, Tony (Sherry) Smith, Katrina (Mark) Bomar, Keith Smith, Curt Hill, Kelly (Jimmy) Skocilich, Keri (Mickee) Skocilich, and numerous great nieces and nephews and even a few great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom Rick loved like his own children.

Friends may call on Monday after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel.  Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Memorials in Rick's memory can be made to Tunnel to Towers, Albert's Angel Fund, or a charity of the donor's choice.