Richard Wade Calvert

Memorial service for Rick Calvert will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Walker Funeral Home. Richard Wade Calvert, 66, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on March 23, 2025. Richard Wade Calvert Sr., known to many as Rick, came tearing into this world on the 12th of September in the golden year of 1958. Rick was born in Indianapolis, Indiana or, as he liked to call it, “India no place”, to his hard-working parents Carline and Pervie Calvert. As the youngest of his siblings by 10 years, Rick made sure there was never a dull moment in the household.

Growing up in Indy he spent most of his time with his friends going to rock shows, drinking beer and being rebellious like most kids did in the 70’s. In the early 80’s a change of scenery was needed so he packed up and headed west. Rumors were, he was trying to follow the Oregon Trail but got stuck in Gillette, Wyoming. Gillette is where he would call his home for the rest of his life, minus a three-year lack in judgement that he and his family spent in Southern California.

Upon his arrival in Gillette, Rick found work at Tower’s West Lodge where he met and became smitten with a pretty, blonde bartender name Laurie. Laurie had a strict “no dating coworkers’ policy”, so he quit his job to charm her. They were married in 1984 and haven’t looked back since. The children from this union turned out to be pretty amazing folks in their own rights. How could they not with parents like Rick and Laurie? Richard Jr., “Rich” and Megan often drove him crazy, but were bright spots in his life. His children played second/third fiddle to his grandkids, and dogs.

He was gifted with ambition and the love of learning which brought him much knowledge and wisdom. He was very resourceful and trustworthy; it is a hell of a thing when every baby he met knew he could be trusted. Rick enjoyed being able to be counted on for anything and everything. As he would say, “if it ain’t broke, I can't fix it.” He made friends everywhere he went, with his charisma, infectious laugh and genuine love for people. He loved to fish with his buddy Jay and his nephews. Rick loved to ride his motorcycle. Whether traveling alone or with his FLY Brothers/other biker friends, he sure liked to feel the wind through his lack of hair.

His golden years were spent fishing with family and friends, discovering and mastering the art of sourdough making, cuddling up with his dogs and thinking up dad jokes. His siblings and nieces/nephews held a big spot in his heart as well. He absolutely loved it when they would come and visit and always treasured being able to go home and visit them. This man had a passion for all holidays and the traditions they brought. It could have been fireworks, decorating easter eggs, carving pumpkins, or a family dinner, he adored them all. Every Christmas he just lit up at that time of the year. He always loved to hand out gifts and watch everyone else open them, leaving his own pile of gifts unopened. He was the real-life Santa Claus come Christmas Day.

After retirement, his health didn’t grant him enough time to do all the things he wanted, but he sure did enjoy life and lived his 66 years on this planet to the fullest.

Rick is survived by his wife Laurie of 41 years. His son Rich (Stasha) and daughter Megan (Kory), Grandsons; Mitchell, and Eli, Bonus grandchildren; Dyse, Jalyn, and Dion; his sister Anetta (David), and so many nieces and nephews and their children, and last but not least Moon (Short Stack).