Richard William Saltzman, Sr.

The Highway man traveled his last road. Richard William, Sr., aged 93, passed away from stomach cancer on December 21, 2023.

Reunited with his beloved Norma, wife of 69 years. He was one of the Greatest Generation. None like them!

Born in Denton, MT to Lottie (Williams) and Walter Saltzman on October 18, 1930. He was the 9th of 10 children. His early years were spent milking cows, farming and ranching. Then on to the smelter in Great Falls as a straw boss prior to enlisting in the Navy at age 16 to send money home to his parents.

While enlisted he married Norma. His service time was extended due to the Korean War. His vessel, the USS Achernar was instrumental at Inchon, Korea, 15 September 1950. For their service, the shipmates received multiple commendatory dispatches. The one from General McArthur read, "The Navy and Marines have never shone more brightly than this morning."

Upon discharge he, Norma and their three small children returned to Montana where he began his love of road construction and numbers. Having less than an eighth grade education he became a self-taught engineer. Studying and mailing in testing to earn his engineering certification to advance his employment status - all while working and feeding a family of now seven on very meager wages.

He and Norma worked side by side to ensure they taught us the value of hard work, faithfulness, sacrifices and love. Sometimes tough love, but love none the less. His philosophy was if you take care of the pennies, the nickels and dimes will do the same.

He retired from the State of Montana Highway Department after 30 years. He joined the private construction sector, which took him to Washington, Hawaii, Utah and Nevada. Mom always by his side.

He always loved a body of water, so fishing was a natural hobby. Hunting was more of a way to feed a family of seven.

He was a lifelong member of the Eagles (76 years), the Elks, and the American Legion. He served on the Honor Guard at many a veteran's final services. Bellied up to the bar, with a Jack on the rocks, he had a thunderous laugh and loved a good joke or story.

Preceded in death by his wife, Norma; sons, Jimmy and Richard, Jr.; grandsons, Corey, Chad and Zachary; granddaughter, Tammy Jo; son-in-law, Larry; daughter-in-law, Jenny; brothers, Walter, Alford, Dale and Eldon and sisters, Viola, Flo, Irene and Annice.

Survived by his daughters, Janie (Kenneth), Kaye (Mike); son, Lynn (Mary); 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 16 great great-grandchildren and sister, Beth.