Richard Martin Purcell

Richard “Rick” Martin Purcell passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on May 19, 1970, in Helena, Montana, Rick was the youngest of three sons born to William J. Purcell and Joyce I. (Swenson) Purcell. From an early age, Rick carried a quiet strength, a deep sense of responsibility, and a loyalty to his family and friends that defined the way he lived his life. Rick was a devoted husband, a proud son and brother, and an honorary grandfather whose love extended far beyond titles or bloodlines. The greatest happiness of Rick’s life came from the love he shared with his wife, Dee Purcell. Dee brought Rick extreme happiness and joy through her unwavering support, unconditional love, and steadfast presence. Together they shared a bond built on trust, devotion, and genuine partnership. Rick was at his best when he was with Dee, and her love remained his constant source of strength and comfort.

After graduating from high school, Rick attended diesel mechanic school, launching a career built on skill, determination, and pride in honest work. He spent many years working as a diesel mechanic, earning respect for his knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to help others. Later in life, Rick chose to share his hard-earned experience by teaching diesel mechanics, passing along not just technical skills but also the values of responsibility, patience, and doing a job right the first time. He found great fulfillment in helping students learn a trade and prepare for their own futures. Rick retired just this past year, closing up a career he was deeply proud of.

Rick was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved most—especially outdoors. Some of his most treasured memories were made at hunting camps with his dad, brothers, and lifelong friends. Those camps were more than trips; they were places of laughter, tradition, and deep connection.

He especially cherished the pack trips he shared with his closest friends into hunting camp— moments filled with hard work, camaraderie, and respect for nature. Among Rick’s most beloved experiences were the unforgettable times spent with his dad on mountain lion hunts and grizzly bear hunts in Alaska. Those adventures reflected their strong bond and remained some of Rick’s most meaningful memories.

Family was always at the heart of Rick’s life. One particularly special journey was a trip to Puerto Rico with his family to return his grandmother’s ashes to the island—a deeply personal act of love, respect, and connection to family roots that meant a great deal to him. Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matilde Soto Macdonald and her husband John, and George J. Purcell and his wife Dorothy; numerous aunts and uncles; and his beloved father, William J. Purcell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Purcell; his mother, Joyce I. Purcell; his brother Joe Purcell, and nephews Brian (Bethany) Purcell , great niece Hadley and Shawn Purcell; his brother Troy Purcell (Krista) and niece Brooklyn; his honorary grandkids Avery, Briar, Emerson, and James Morgan and their parents Nolan and Meghan; Dee’s siblings Brad Frazee (Kim Kearney) and Juli Rognlie (Matt); along with numerous cousins and countless friends— too many to name, but each held close in his heart.

Rick was not a man who sought attention, but his presence was steady, dependable, and deeply felt. He showed love through action, loyalty through consistency, and care through the time he gave to others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he taught, the miles walked in the mountains, and the unwavering love he gave to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

A memorial service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home immediately following the service. Memorials in Rick Purcell’s name may be made to the Rick Purcell Scholarship fund, in care of Joyce Purcell.