Blake Richardson
After serving his family, nation, state, community, Blake Richardson, 64, checked out early on November 6th, 2019. Blake passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends after a dauntless battle with cancer. Blake was born June 19, 1955 to Arthur and Lorraine Richardson in Missoula, Montana.
Blake graduated from Sentinel High School and proceeded to serve in the U.S. Army as a U.S. Army Military Policeman. He met his wife of 43 Years, June Ellen Cole, during his military service and they were married six months later at the Fitzsimmons Medical Army Chapel in Denver, Colorado.
Blake started his career as a Police Officer for the Billings Police Department soon after he was Honorably discharged from the ARMY in 1977. After 10 years as a patrol officer, he became a major crimes detective. Blake received Officer of the year twice; more than fifty letters of Commendations; eight STAR awards; Certificate of Merit from the American Red Cross. During his tenure, he helped design and received funding for a state-of-the-art crime scene investigation van and was part of the fire arson investigation team. Blake also attended and graduated from the rigorous National Forensic Academy in Knoxville, TN and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. Blake was thorough and meticulous; solved every murder case he worked on and had a 100% conviction rate. He proudly served the City of Billings for 38 years before retiring.
Throughout his life, Blake volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. He earned his Eagle Scout rank as a young man and continued to serve Scouts throughout his life; most recently for BSA Troop 10. His many roles included being a member of the Montana Council Boy Scouts of America, bus driver, treasurer, organizer of Christmas wreath sales, planner and chaperone for many camping trips. He was instrumental in improvements and programs at the K-M Scout Ranch near Lewistown. A new building at K-M is to be dedicated to him at its completion in Spring 2020 for his commitment and dedication to the camp; the Richardson Logistics Center.
Blake was a loving father who liked to spend time with his family. Blake was known for his hard work, compassion, integrity, and patience. He taught his daughters to be honest and trustworthy. Blake was a friend and mentor to many.
Blake was survived by his wife, June; daughters, Amanda (Jeremy) Hall and Kathryn; grandchildren, Logan and Addilyn Hall; mother, Lorraine; brothers, Phillip (Debbie) and David (Marsha); sister, Joanne; Jim Hopper, Sheryl (Robert) Mogor, Thomas Mercer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00pm Thursday November 14th at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Funeral services are 11:00am Friday November 15th at First Presbyterian Church 2420 13th St. W. Interment will follow at 2:00pm at Yellowstone National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Boy Scout Troop 10, 5 Lewis Avenue, Billings, MT 59101 or K-M Scout Ranch, 1315 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59101.
