Ricky McIlhargey

It is with great sadness that we announce that Rick C. McIlhargey, 71, passed away peacefully at Logan Health hospital on Dec. 15, 2024, at 8:15 p.m., after a long battle with aphasia, dementia and Alzheimer's.

Rick was born on June 6, 1953, to Delores and O’Leary Mcilhargey in Shelby, and grew up with five siblings in Kalispell. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors, singing, playing guitar, writing his own music, building things and just tinkering around, he loved working on cars and could fix just about anything he put his mind to. He loved to travel and explore new places. He was extremely proud of his Army service and proud to be an army veteran and loved his country and the flag that represented it.

He wore many hats throughout the years both professionally and personally, but his favorite titles were always dad and especially papa. He always had a smile for anybody he encountered and a joke for those he knew. His favorite thing to do was spend time with family and his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and remembered every day by those who loved him. Rick was preceded in death by his mother and father, Delores and O’leary McIlhargey, his brother, Larry Mcilhargey, and his sister, Debbie Silverthorn.

He is survived by his daughter, Terrika McIlhargey and his grandsons, Raylan McIlhargey-Montgomery and Kylan Montgomery; his son, Ricky McIlhargey and grandson, Tristan McIlhargey; his son, Joshua McIlhargey, his son, Josey Mcilhargey and grandchildren, Josey Jr., Chloe and Hunter McIlhargey; his sister and brother in law, Jenny and Bob Taylor; his sister-in-law, Sherry McIlhargey; his sister, Vicki Trebas, and many nieces and nephews.

Rest easy and in peace dad, we will see you around the corner.

A celebration of life is planned for this summer.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.