Richard Carl "Dick" King

Missoula  -  Richard Carl King, 78, was born in Havre, Montana on August 3, 1947 and completed his life’s journey June 26, 2026 at Edgewood Memory Care located in Missoula.

Dick was raised in Chinook, Montana by his parents, Carl H. King and Grace (Anderson) King. He was proud of the Chinook Mascot and loved to have people guess what it was by stating it’s a vegetable—Sugarbeeters. Going through the ranks of Boy Scouts and accomplishing the demands to become an Eagle Scout and receive the Order of the Arrow prepared Dick for his future endeavors of helping others.

Dick graduated from Chinook High School in 1965. He attended the University of Montana where he received a MA in American History. He began his fraternity experience by joining Sigma Phi Epsilon. It was mandatory for male students to take part in Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for two years. Students could extend training with the intention of joining the Army upon graduation. During officers’ training at Ft Benning, Georgia, it was determined the unit had too many infantry second lieutenants. Some were released from active duty and assigned to the Army Reserve.

This rare opportunity allowed Dick to apply to the Peace Corps. He was situated in Afghanistan with an assignment to teach English as a foreign language. A review of his resume revealed abilities as an apprentice printer for the Chinook Opinion. The Afghan Tourist Organization needed printing skills for a monthly newsletter and publications that described the country’s many attractions. Several lifelong friendships and the love of travel were developed during his four years in Afghanistan.

Dick returned to Havre where he was director of the Human Resource Development Council and Bear Paw Economic Development. A highlight while at Bear Paw was acquiring funds that allowed Jim and Cheryl Gagnon to refurbish the Historic Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton. The Hotel brings people to the community to enjoy fine dining, luxury suites, and the beauty of the Missouri River.

Dick took time to pursue his passion of golf. He entered tournaments around the state and often held a spot on the leader board. While playing at the Havre golf course he met his future wife, Tove Elvrom. They were married October 18, 1980 at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. Their son, Alexander was born in 1987. The learning curve of becoming a parent was huge, but Dick was happy to experience what brought joy to Alex. Golf took a backseat to finding ski hills and skate parks. But, Alex is now a golfer.

In 2000, Dick was offered the opportunity to experience economic development on a larger scale. He was President and CEO of Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation until his retirement in 2011. Recruiting companies and supporting existing businesses played a large role in creating economic development in Missoula and the surrounding area. Projects were done as a team with MAEDC staff and city/county staff. Dick was extremely proud of the effort that went into obtaining funds to clean up the legacy pollution at the Old Saw Mill District. Its 45 acres now provide housing, a place to work, and recreational opportunities.

Dick served on numerous boards that fostered his belief in improving the well-being and quality of life throughout Missoula and Montana. Most meaningful were the years he spent as a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, serving on the Missoula Urban Transportation District and being on the board of Missoula Art Museum as they established plans for a major building expansion.

Returning to Missoula offered the opportunity to attend concerts, lectures, theater productions, ball games, and classes at the UM campus through MOLLI. Dick used a walker and he valued the availability of Mountain Line buses to attend many events.

Dick is survived by his wife, Tove Elvrom; son, Alexander (Rae) King; sister, Carole (Rugga) Mather and nieces Brooke Osland and Whitney Mather.

Dick loved telling people our dog, Sula, is a Portuguese Water Dog and she was born in Butte, America. Sula and Dick explored the many trails of Missoula, especially Pattee Canyon trails. Sula is the reason Dick continued taking walks even when he was confined to a wheelchair.

The family extends deep appreciation for the staff of Edgewood Vista and Big Sky Palliative and Hospice Care.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville, Montana.

To honor Dick, please consider memorials to the following groups: Immanuel Lutheran Church Endowment, 830 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801; Montana Public Radio, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812 or Missoula Rotary Foundation, PO Box 303, Missoula, MT 59806-0303.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Carl "Dick" King, please visit our floral store.