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Norman Pope Obituary
Rick was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1941. Before becoming a Professor of Art at Montana State University, Rick worked as a photographer for the Shawnee Star and served in the U.S. Army as a photographer in Germany. He had been a uranium miner, a telephone repairman and a draftsman. Rick finished his undergraduate degree at Cal Poly Pomona, Calif., and earned his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied under Don Reitz who remained his close friend. Rick retired from Montana State University in 2008 after 33 years of teaching. He was a committed and passionate educator and mentor. As well as a professor, Rick was a dedicated artist with hundreds of exhibitions, publications, and collections both nationally and internationally.
Rick loved hunting and fishing with his son and friends. He was a voracious reader, a great dancer and an excellent chef.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly Navratil-Pope, son Derik (Sarah) Pope, grandchildren Lanie and Lily, step-daughter Maryeleni Alexandra Mountzouri, younger brother Mickey David Pope, uncle Luther "Skeeter" Wilcoxson, and numerous extended family from Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his mother Myrtle Riggs Wilcoxson- Pope, and father George Gerald Pope.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Montana State University School of Art in care of Rick Pope Memorial Ceramic Visiting Artist Fund, P.O Box 173680, Bozeman, Montana, 59717.
A celebration will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Pope
joanie schmidt
May 3, 2012
My thoughts and condolences to Derik and family at this time. I will always be grateful for the warmth and generosity, laughter and "life lessons" shared. Rick opened his heart and life to all and showed everyone how to enjoy life. Thanks for the joyful memories_I will fondly reflect on the many experiences I had with Rick while I was at MSU everytime I pass the covered jar he gave me for my 21st birthday. May we always celebrate his life, his Art, his love of "a memorable meal".
Sam D Alexander Jr
April 23, 2012
I was so saddened to get the call that Rick had passed. My late wife Carolyn and I met Rick and Kimberly in Sept. 2000. We rented the house that they now live in. We had a great time. They were so nice and we would sit outside at the end of the day & talk and have some "adult beverages" The next year they did not rent the house so we just stayed somewhere else and visited with them and had dinner. We formed a friendship and every year we came we would visit and enjoy Kimberly's & Rick's great cooking. Somewhere in those early years we started comming in spring and fall & we meet there friends Joe & Janet Colombo. We all became great friends and had so many great nights together. Joe and Rick and I went fishing one fall on the Yellowstone. I think Rick caught I fish but it did not matter. Being together was what it was all about. We laughed' told stories and just had a great time. When my wife Carolyn died in 2007, they were all were very supportive and I will never forget it. I will miss his laugh and the gret stories he told. I am honored to have been his friend. I was there last Sept. and am so glad I was. We had a great visit with great food and frienship. I will miss him so much. Thanks for your friendship and love. Rest in peace my friend
Sam
April 16, 2012
Kimberly and Family, You could usually hear Rick's booming laugh long before you could see him strutting across a room. Fond memories of Rick. I am so sorry for your loss. Paddy Ferriter
Jim Poor
April 14, 2012
Rick your passing has brought sadness and smiles...thank you for your mentoring and friendship...you will be so missed.
April 12, 2012
Rick was my dear friend,I shall miss him,every time I read a good book,make a pot, witness a wonderful sunset. I am greatly saddened,my heart is heavy . Love you my friend ,fly away, Al
Bill & Sandra Nyberg
April 12, 2012
It was by chance that we met Rick and Kimberly while camping at Flathead Lake. They invited us down to their campsite later that evening and that is where our friendship began. Rick loved life and he loved people; you could hear it in his laugh and feel it when you were with him. Our lives are richer having known Rick and his departure will leave a void that can not be filled. Thankfully we spent a wonderful day with Rick and Kimberly just a couple of weeks before his passing. It will be a cherished memory of a special friend.
Terri Yira
April 11, 2012
I was so very sorry to read of Rick's passing. He taught pottery when my husband attended MSU. The vase that he gave Joe when he graduated is still prominantly displayed in our living room. We stopped to see him a few times on return trips to Montana in later years. The twinkle in his eye, his laughter and his kindness were so genuine. He was a character, and will most certainly be missed! Our sympathies to Kimberly and the rest of his family.
Terri Yira
Julie Shumaker
April 9, 2012
My first memory of Rick-- 1984 in his ceramics class I made a horrible pot that slumped and tipped and leaned-- I was crushed. Rick came over and gushed that it was the best thing I had done.... it was "art". He taught me that making art can be and should be, yes, fun. Years later I was fortunate enough to become friends with Rick and Kimberly. I was able to see that his graciousness, kindness, enthusiasm, and appreciation of living extended way beyond what he gave in the classroom. I miss this gentlemen immensely. My love and prayers to Kimberly and his family.
Joy Wulke
April 9, 2012
Have wonderful memories of our, David & my time with Rick and Kimberly. All make me smile and some make me laugh out loud...A float on the river. He always reminded me of the joy life offers. I look at Rick's beautiful work every day and he is with us.
Tim Shore
April 9, 2012
I'll always be grateful that he was one of my first art instructors at MSU. He was one of the greats...
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