Richard Allan Pilcher

Richard Allan Pilcher was born September 26, 1933, in Cody, Wyoming to Howard Allan Pilcher and Ruth Gyger. He was raised in Cody, as the oldest of four children, where he graduated High School and later joined the United States Army.

In 1956, the Army stationed Richard at Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. While in Alaska, he would spend significant time on the Distant Early Warning Line, an arrangement of radar systems set up to detect incoming bombers of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and provide early warning of any sea-and-land invasion. Although he never experienced combat, he spent countless hours honing his cribbage skills. Later in life, Richard would employ some of these aptitudes as a fiercely competitive and cunning Rummikub player. He always enjoyed games around the table, displaying a knowing smirk when the game was in hand. Richard also took great satisfaction in outdoor recreation.

While in Alaska, Richard met and married Miriam Smith. One of the brightest parts of their union was Vern Cabell, whom they loved dearly and raised as their own son. Richard and Miriam enjoyed over 30 years of marriage until her passing in 1996.

Later that year, one of Richard’s friends, John Vasquez, would introduce him to his beautiful sister Lupe. Some sparks flew, cupid lost some arrows, Richard said some “woohee’s,” and the sound of wedding bells soon followed. Richard integrated seamlessly into the family, becoming a beloved husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. During this phase of life, Richard became “Papo.”

Richard was industrious and innovative. He was an important figure in several businesses in the oil and excavation industry, including his own successful business, Pilcher Excavating. In the later years of his life, Richard enjoyed working for Scott Dahme Construction for over 20 years, where he reluctantly retired in 2017. Not many people drive dump trucks and operate heavy equipment 5 to 6 days a week until they are 84 years old.

Richard loved Hamburgers, miracle whip or mayonnaise, corn on the cob, gravy, ice cream, and apple or strawberry rhubarb pie. He had a special relationship with western movies, bungie cords, and duct tape. But most importantly, he was a man of God who was faithful, dependable, honest, soft-spoken, kind, generous and caring (always ready to give a bear hug).

Richard entered eternal life in the early hours of the morning on August 10. Several family members were around his bedside praying as he peacefully breathed his last breaths in this life and passed to a much better one. Several people mentioned that it looked as if he was smiling. Perhaps he sensed he was going on to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Richard lived a life that positively influenced countless people. We hesitate to start listing those he is survived by because there are too many to list and we don’t want to leave anyone out. We will just mention that Richard and Lupe enjoyed many wonderful adventures during their 26 years of marriage and they loved each other to the very end. Many considered him a father figure or mentor. For those blessed to be so deeply impacted by his life and his love, we look forward to being reunited with him one day in our heavenly home.