Richard Tougas

Richard Noel Tougas, age 82, passed away Friday, January 12, 2018. Dick was born at home on the farm in Oriska, North Dakota on October 3, 1935. He was the second child of Noel & Agnes (Fairfield) Tougas. Dick attended first through sixth grade in Oriska until the family moved to a farm west of Pablo, Montana in October, 1947. It was in Pablo and Ronan where he completed the rest of his schooling and he graduated Ronan High School in 1954. He was active in basketball & football in high school.  He and Lorna remained avid Chief and Maiden supporters attending all the home games they could up to the time of Dick's illness.

He married the love of his life, Lorna Newgard, in August of 1954. They started out their married life working in and around Ronan & Pablo until Dick took a job in Missoula for Community Creamery. He was then hired by Liquid Aire/Industrial Air Products delivering and selling gas products for 28 years.  He finished his career as manager of the Missoula plant after which he and Lorna were able to retire back home at the farm in Pablo. They fondly remember their Missoula years on Cohosset Drive raising kids, neighborhood gatherings and serious ping pong tournaments.

Hunting camp with his brothers and sons was a highlight of each year. These trips produced lots of memories and stories, many of which were sworn to secrecy, "what happens at hunting camp...stays at hunting camp". Dick just loved his family time whether it be reunions, family gatherings, picnics or dinners. Anything to celebrate and any occasion to have some dessert was welcomed.  Dick was a member of the Ronan Senior Citizens, serving on its board for a time, and was honored to be chosen one year as Senior Citizen of the Year.  He was very active in and relied upon at his church, the Pablo Christian Church.

Dick was preceded in death by his two sons, Richard (Dickie) & Thomas (Tom). He is survived by Lorna, his loving wife of 63 years, and his children Robin (Rob), Sharri (John) Beck, Bill (Kim) Tougas and Corey (Kim) Tougas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amy, Samantha, Jessica, Luke, Nichole and Natasha.  His siblings Phyllis Houle, Marilyn (Joe) Forte, Ken (Rosa) Tougas & Pat (Jane) Tougas as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends survive him as well.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at the Pablo Christian Church (35890 Clairmont Rd, Pablo) on Saturday, January 20th at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Ronan Cemetery.