Richard A. Avent

On Sept. 4, 2018, a true gentleman left this valley for a better one. Richard A. Avent, 85, passed away after a short stay at The Willows in Red Lodge.

Richard's parents were Alden and Margaret Avent who ranched outside of Meeteetse, Wyoming. When it was time for Richard to be born, Margaret traveled back to her hometown of Sparta, Wisconsin where her father, Dr. Carlton Beebe, helped bring Richard into the world.

Richard had lots of fond memories of growing up on the Greybull River. He and his younger brother, Jon, started their schooling by riding a horse named Fox to country school. They attended various country schools, concluding their high school education by graduating from Cody in 1951. Richard furthered his education by getting a Bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1955. While at college, he was in the process of getting his pilot license but was unable to complete the process because just before he was supposed to take his final test, another student crashed their plane.

After college, Richard returned to the family ranch. In 1967, he met and married the 'best gal a rancher could have', Doris Hamilton from Pryor. They settled down on a ranch outside of Reed Point and in 1968 had their only child, James. In 1971, the family moved to Red Lodge Creek and continued to raise cattle for another 41 years.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Doris, in 2010. He is survived by his son, James (Susette), grandson, Camron and granddaughter, Zoe, of Red Lodge; a brother, Jon Avent of Washington; and his special cousin, Maury Heiss of Loveland, Colorado.

The family wants to thank Dr. Fouts and all the staff of the Willows for the exceptional care given to Richard. Memorials may be given to Red Lodge Fire Rescue Community Care, PO Box 318, Red Lodge, MT 59068.

Richard was laid to rest alongside his wife at Riverside Cemetery in Cody, Wyoming.