Richard Frank Fulton passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 20, 2023.
Rick was born April 24, 1955, in Bemidji, Minnesota. He moved to Butte in 1979 with the help of his brother, Bill and landed a job a Keltz Construction. Throughout his carpentry career, he worked with numerous construction companies including Markovich Construction, Benedict Construction, and Ken Schmidt Construction.
Rick was an avid sportsman, excelling at wresting during high school and in the Army, where he was part of the All-Service Wrestling Team. He spent countless hours teaching his daughter and grandchildren the arts of sportsmanship, everything from being a basketball coach, to teaching them the rules of etiquette of golf, croquet, and baseball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Fulton; brothers in- law, Larry Novotney, and Gary Weyer; sisters- in-law, Linda Hulse and Julianne Stallman.
He is survived by his wife, Patti Fulton and daughter Melissa Cameron; brothers and sisters, Bill and Patty Fulton, Betty Novotney, Robert and Joan Engel, Jean Weyer, Bea Stough; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard Campbell, Joe Navarro. Millard Hulse, Mary K Navarro, Shawn and Paula Rigmaiden, Maggi Navarro and Sandy Stough; grandchildren, Mason and Justice, Dakota, Courtney and Levi; great grandchildren, Dakota and Xzavian, as well as countless nieces and nephews. There are so many friends that held such a special place in his heart; too many to name; Bunker, Bur, Joyce, Magoo, Monica, and Sandy… all our friends from Dewey all the way to Minnesota.
He spent most of his life hunting, fishing, and floating the Big Hole River. As a family, many hours were spent on that river, learning the most valuable life lessons, and enjoying a few colds ones. Those memories will live on forever in our hearts.
Friends are asked to call at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock and then to join with the family for Liturgy of The Resurrection to be celebrated at 11.
*Celebration of Life to follow at the Wise River Community Center at 2:00 PM
To leave a condolence or to share a memory of Richard, please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Richard.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Richard and his family.
China says
Love u Patty ❤️ Rick was a great person and an excellent Monopoly player❤️ Watch for the boys and I in Heaven❤️
Linda George says
Oh Patti I was so so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I never met him but knew if you were married to him that he was a special man.
He will be with you always.
-Linda-
Janice Gummer says
My deepest sympathy to Patti & family May he Rest in peace
Mary Garcia says
So sorry patti we had a few fun times together for sure
Bless you all he was loved
Peter Nordquist says
Rick and I were friends from grade 7 through 12 in Bemidji Minnesota. Those years were difficult for me, as I attended four different high schools. Through the turbulence, I was blessed with a few friends that gave me stability and confidence. They did so with kindness and an empathetic heart. Rick was one of those friends and I thank God for his friendship. Rick made a positive difference in my life, for which I’m eternally grateful.
Kathy Johnson says
Patti, I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss that Rick’s family is going through. I will remember all the fun we had floating, snowmobiling and just hanging out. Rick had a big heart. Praying for all of you.
Love you
Kathy Griffith
Joe Navarro says
I’ll miss you my friend. I so appreciate the way you treated my sister and all the family. Won’t forget that last side by side ride,you at the wheel I though we were gonna fly into Dewey off that cliff, or the time at Helen’s house when Jeremy was so impresssed with you playing on the floor with him and all the new toys! Two weeks later Helen asked him who said you could take that gum out of my drawer, his reply “Rick said”! I’ll always respect your craftsmanship.
Rest easy my friend
Bereth O’Callaghan says
Condolences Patti, Barry and I always enjoyed our chats with Rick.
Dan Bergsven says
Memories of time spent with Rick during my teen years are endless, shooting pool after school, canoeing, parties we attended and hitchhiking out west after high school graduation. We even spent some time together while in the military. Seems like it was yesterday, thanks for the great times we shared my friend, RIP.
Lawrence says
It’s been nearly 50 years since I’ve last seen Rick, the fellow in high school who was fondly known as “Guppy”!
… His nickname he was given by fellow classmates when we all attended 9th grade! Fond remembrance of him as a fun & great fellow! … Where does all the time go?
Resquiscat In Pace Rick “Guppy” Fulton.
Dianna Sims says
Dearest Patti and family
My deepest condolences on the loss of Rick. I know he will be missed by many, but many in Heaven rejoiced on his arrival. Blessings and love to all of you.
Greg Hensrud says
Rick and I shared many good times together hunting ducks and deer. I will never forget the time in Montana my senior year, Rick and I set out walking ridge tops and we both were shooting at a buck going up a ravine. My gun jammed and Rick went ahead to where the buck went over the top of the hill to see if we had a blood trail. As I was clearing the jamb I heard a noise behind me and turned to see a mountain lion 15 yards away. The cat took off as I cleared the last shell in my not so trusty 30.30. When Rick got back not finding any blood we talked about my scary encounter with the big cat. I’m sure our parents who were on that trip with us would never let us go out by ourselves again if we had told them that day. Rick and I also shared many birthdays together as his was the 24th and mine the 25th of April. Ricks Dad Bill was my Conformation sponsor and my Dad was young Bills sponsor. Our families share many good times together. One I will never forget is when they went ricing and got a ticket for starting 5 minutes to early, got to be an expensive day of ricing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers Rick!
Jeff and Sherry Wizner says
So sorry to learn about Rick’s passing and condolences to all the families. We got to see and visit with him a few years ago at his Dad Bill’s funeral in Bemidji. Again so sorry, he will be missed.
Gina Alto says
So sorry for your loss Patti ! I didn’t know him personally but he must’ve been a great man, for you have loved him so much♥️🙏✝️ thinking of you
John D. Buckanaga says
Patti, So sorry to hear of my ol’ buddy’s passing. Condolences to you and all of your family. Many, many memories, laughs and road trips. One of a kind man who has a lot of sad friends in Bemidji. RIP “Big Blue” old friend.