Richard Dix, 73, passed away after a long battle with MSA Parkinsons at his home on Thursday, August 5, 2021. He was surrounded by two of his children and the love of his life and wife Darlene (Everson) Dix, of 40 years. Richard was born on July 6, 1948, at his family home in North Dakota. He was the second of six children born to Arthur Dix (Deceased) and Laura (Gohl) Dix.The family later moved to Stevensville, MT where they grew up on a lovely farm all together. Richard, aptly nicknamed Smiley by his fellow Marines, enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1967. After he attended basic training he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served for 3 years during the war before he was injured. He was Honorably discharged after a lengthy hospital stay as a Lance Corporal E-3, 1st Division, Shore Party. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, 2 Medals of Good Conduct, and a Purple Heart. After returning to the states he took a career as an operator of Heavy Equipment and Sawyer for many years. Upon retiring, with his beloved wife Darlene, he moved to Helena MT where they owned a mobile home park and made a home not far from it. He spent most of his adult life dedicated to God and his family and friends. Spreading joy and kindness as a symbol of his love of the Lord. The couple then moved to his final home in the country where he had always dreamed of living once again outside of Toston MT.He spent many years active in the Helena and Bozeman MT VA chapters and in 1996 he returned to Vietnam to build homes, he marched on Washington DC many times in his amazing self restored camper van with the famous underwater tropical fish mural on the side that is a cherished memory for everyone who knew him. This van facilitated many trips with his children and grandchildren to the hot springs and camping trips which they all loved. He was well known for co-hosting, with Darlene, in observance of God's Law many feasts on the Dix Ranch with his many friends from his church, UCG (United Church of God). Together they have been very active members, worshipping in Missoula and Helena MT. His favored place for the Feast of Tabernacles in particular though was in Hawaii, where he had always spoken of his dream to move there and live on the beach. Richard loved and adored his family and was well known for his ability to make others laugh and to spoil children and make them laugh. His smile will forever be missed but remembered by all of those whose lives he touched.Richard is survived by his loving wife Darlene (Darlin') Dix of Toston MT, Mother Laura (The GreatOne) Dix of Rawlins WY. His Sons; Jim Ployhar of Temecula CA, Erik Dix of Warrenton OR, Daughters; Jessie (Dix) Richards of Portland OR, daughter Lacy Hiatt of Three Forks MT.His siblings; Gloria of Stevensville MT, Linda of Rawlins WY, Terry Dix of Rawlins WY, Chris Dix of Lolo MT, Randy Dix of Rawlins WY.His grandchildren; Ryan Hiatt of Bozeman MT, Paxton Richards of Seaside OR, Brandon Dinwiddie of Helena MT, Bailey Richards of Portland OR, Keeana Billington of Missoula MT. (Ryan took his final college exam to Graduate with a BA the same day of Richards passing. We are all so very proud of him)His great grandchildren; Dalton Rabe, Savannah Hiatt, Alexa Margaret Ployhar, Silas Hiatt, Oaklee Billington, Persephone Rose Richards.Services will be held on Friday August 20th, 2021 promptly at 11:30 am ( Helena MT VA Fort, 3687 Veterans Dr, Fort HArrison, MT 59636 406-442-6410 ) WITH Potluck BBQ (burgers and dogs provided) at the Dix Ranch directly after where there will be an opportunity to share stories, music, love and laughter with one another. Directions provided at service or contact a family member. (Please bring your camping or folding chair with you if possible.) We will be sharing a video of the service as well. In lieu of flowers, please open your hearts to donate or volunteer to one of the following charities. It is with many heartfelt thank yous that we ask this as the last year of his life was made easier by the kindness of Compassus (hospice), and Home Instead Care.Compassus Hospice care of Helena, MT - https://campaigns.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations Home Instead - https://www.homeinstead.com/ppc/dual/home-instead-senior-care?st-t=google&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb6IBhAREiwAgMYKRtcYIrNBVlHL3mM5oqoBzyISATLhBODUIxdpD0wyQMp4xz1vLylU3BoCtJkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds UCG - https://donate.ucg.org/?_ga=2.6980018.1003137160.1628446381-184109363.1628446381&_gac=1.95678190.1628446381.CjwKCAjwgb6IBhAREiwAgMYKRs2mGxr97XSsMbERpf7Ne_6jC8XX8z-hhqKxhGDVi2PnrtbSnFKaIxoCQO8QAvD_BwE