Richard Alan "Dick" Sandidge

Richard Sandidge passed away suddenly on June 20, 2007, at the young age of 57, due to an aortic aneurysm and COPD.
He was born to John Sandidge and Ruby Brown on May 13, 1950, in Red Bluff, Calif. About 20 years ago, Richard moved to Billings where he met and later married his best friend Julie in 1993. To this union, Richard gladly accepted three stepsons, one stepdaughter, two step-granddaughters and one step-grandson. Never really knowing his two children from a previous marriage, he treated us all like we were his own. Together, Richard and Julie later started raising their 3-month-old granddaughter Tasha, whom later they adopted as their daughter. Although Tasha needed a lot of care and attention, no one gave it to her like they did with the greatest love and compassion. They never gave up on her. She is now 13 years old. She will miss her (Papa) Richard. Dick always loved the big meals Julie cooked for families and friends (especially Thanksgiving). He always said she was the best cook ever. She was his jewel.
Richard met many friends and extended family through his life in Montana. He was a kind and generous man and would help anyone in need.
Unfortunately, Richard and Julie separated after 17 years of marriage and later divorced in March of 2007. Together, they still remained the best of friends.
He will be truly missed by all who knew him, especially his ex-wife Julie, and best friend Jamie, whom Richard always kept in contact with. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Preceding him in death was one stepson, Larry Savage of Billings and his favorite aunt, Girdie of Oklahoma.
Survivors include ex-wife, Julie; daughter Tasha Sandidge; stepson, Kenneth Ketcham; stepdaughter, Terena (Chris) Deutsch; step-granddaughters, Shianna and Marianna Ketcham, all of Sheridan, Wyo.; step-grandson, Jordan Savage and stepson, Jamie (Jackie) Ketcham of Billings; and son Richard and daughter Bobbie Sandidge of Red Bluff.
Cremation took place at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A graveside family service is planned at a later date.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.