Richard (Rick) A. Parkinson of East Helena, MT passed away peacefully on 9-8-2025, with his loving wife, Joy by his side. He endured a 9 year battle with lung cancer and fought like a warrior. He was 81 years old.

Rick was born March 6, 1944 in Kenmare, North Dakota to Leonard and Alvina (Al) Parkinson, along with his twin brother, Roger. Rick and Roger were inseparable from an early age, and talked on the phone almost daily, until Roger's passing in December 2024.  Rick also had an older sister (Barbara) and younger brother (Dennis).  Growing up in the Parkinson family everyone learned how important family and love was.  They made their own entertainment, and there was always love, laughter and a song in the air. (And mom's homemade donuts!) Over the years Rick instigated and was a part of many family reunions.

Rick met the love of his life, Joy Olson, in 1964 when she came home for Easter break from college. They were married June 6, 1965 and together they welcomed 2 children; daughter, Paula and son, Michael. Rick and Joy celebrated 60 years of marriage together this past June.

Upon high school graduation in 1962, Rick began his career as a plumber for Ringen Hardware in Kenmare ND.  In 1971 Rick put down the toolbox and picked up his briefcase and began his wholesale career in the plumbing and heating field for Northern Plumbing Supply of Minot, ND.  His sales travels took him across North Dakota, northern South Dakota and eastern Montana. In 1979 he added market development to his resume and helped the company expanded their territory into western Montana as well as northern Wyoming.  This new move brought him and his family to Helena, MT.  With Rick's many miles of travels across these states, he developed many long lasting friendships.

In 1988 Rick ended his wholesale career and went to work for Power Townsend in Helena as Plumbing, Heating and Well Supply Department Manager. Here Rick developed many new acquaintances as he worked with the customers on their plumbing, heating and well supply needs. To many of his customers he was known as "Mr Rick".

Throughout his early career Rick was involved in the Kenmare and Minot ND Jaycees, locally as well as at the National level.  He was also a member of the Minot Association of Professional Salesmen (MAPS). In Helena he belonged to the Helena Exchange Club.

As his health declined in later years, Rick reached out to his many family and friends with a phone call. Whenever he thought of someone he picked up the phone and called. (Sometimes the calls came at the most inopportune times.)

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Joy; daughter Paula (Brett) Nienhuis of Sterling, AK, and their children Nicholas, Hunter (Lisa), Kylie and Madison (Kameron);  son Michael (Janna) of Meridian, ID and their children Rowan and Linden. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Lois (Roger) Parkinson as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rick was the last survivor in his family, as he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Barbara (Ronald) Pumarlo, Roger and Dennis.  Now they are all reunited in Heaven, enjoying a cup of coffee and a warm donut.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported Rick during his illness-especially the exceptional doctors, nurses and staff at St Peter's Health and their Cancer Center in Helena, who gave him the best hope and care. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is scheduled for Rick on September 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the East Helena United Methodist Church, 50 Prickly Pear Ave, East Helena, MT 59635 with a reception and fellowship to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rick's Life. The service will be live streamed over the East Helena United Methodist Church Facebook page for those who cannot attend.