On the evening of April 17, 2022 Richard “Rich” Allen Duxbury passed away at the Southwestern Montana Veterans Home in Butte, Montana. Rich was born January 31, 1948 to Kenny and Elsie (Zimmerman) Duxbury in Billings. He was raised on a ranch near Malta with his three siblings. In September 1968 he joined the Army and spent time in Special Forces in Viet Nam. He was proud of his military service. In 1971 he married Cindy Miller in Anaconda and his son, Kenneth, was born in 1973. He moved to Butte in 1985 and worked for AWARE and retired from the Montana State Prison as a prison guard. He married Jacqueline Beardslee on September 5, 1998 and they spent many happy hours exploring southwestern Montana on their horses, camping as they went. They also enjoyed time riding at the Briggs Ranch Arena in Whitehall. They owned and operated the Red Bear Mountain Trading Post in Virginia City, Montana selling products that they made. Rich was a member of Back Country Horsemen, Briggs Ranch Arena and the American Legion.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents Kenny and Elsie and his wife, Jacqueline. He is survived by his son, Ken, his sisters Lorraine and Idealle, his brother Bruce Duxbury and niece Leanna Duxbury (Sam) and nephew Ryan (Nicole) Duxbury. He will be missed by all, including his special friends Amanda Ellwein, Linda Rosin, Bill Opie, Dean and Wendy Briggs, and his faithful dog, Ollie.
There will be a Remembrance of Life for Rich and Jacqueline at 11 AM on June 12, 2022, at the Briggs Ranch Arena, 65 Kountz Rd, Whitehall, MT. A potluck reception will follow the service. A special thanks to the staff of the Veterans Home for their loving care of Rich in the last few weeks of his life.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Rich.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Rich and his family.
Patrick Mulcahy says
Rich was a nice guy, I was in the service with him. Had some fun and memorable times. Rest in peace Rich!!
Wayne Triplett says
Our prayers and condolences are with the families and friends of Rich. When I lived in Butte and he came into the store, he was always a delight to talk to especially with his stories. RIP Rich