Richard ‘Dick’ Dewey Luchau
courtesy photo
Richard “Dick” Dewey Luchau
RONAN — Richard “Dick Dewey Luchau, 87, of Ronan, passed away Aug. 16, 2013 from complications of Alzheimer’s.
Dick was born in Polson to Beatrice and Harold Luchau on April 20, 1926. In his younger years he attended schools in Polson, Hot Springs and Columbus. In 1944, he joined the Air Force and served in WWII. After his tour of service, he attended the University of Montana studying business and marketing. In August 1949, he married “Nadine” Luchau of Polson. Dick and Nadine lived in student housing at the University through 1951 when Dick received his degree.
Dick and Nadine then moved to Ronan where Dick owned and operated many businesses, including: Ronan Bowling Alley, Ronan Theater, Conoco Station and the Army Surplus Store (known as Ronan Sporting Goods). Dick added guns, fishing tackle and clothing, which then transitioned into Ronan Sporting Goods. In 1970, Dick moved his business from Main Street to Highway 93 and took one step further with his son Rick and added on a large western clothing and boot department, which is now known throughout the state as Ronan Sports and Western. Dick, together with his son Rick and daughter Gail, worked and managed the store until the family sold the business in 2000 to Rob Shrider. The summer of 2013, his grandson Ricky, upon returning from his 4-year service with the Army, was hired by Rob Shrider to work in the fishing department.
Dick’s passions throughout his life were fishing, hunting waterfowl, skeet and trap shooting. He was also a knowledgeable and avid gun collector. He was a member of the NRA for most of his lifetime and was a founder of “Sports, Inc.,” an elite buying group for the sporting goods industry.
Mainly, my Dad was most passionate about his role as husband and father. There are many fond memories of family vacations and spending lots of time on Flathead Lake, where he built a cabin on his great-grandfather’s land. My brother and I, Rick, have the fondest memories of when we were living at home and were around our mother and father everyday.
Survivors include his daughter Gail A. Luchau: granddaughter Jenna R. Luchau; grandson Richard T. Luchau; daughter-in-law Susie Luchau/Decker; and numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved collie “Zoe;” and many friends that he loved and cherished.
His wife Nadine Lluchau, his son Rick Luchau, his sister Sandra and his parents; predecease him.
Dick is predeceased by Memorial services will be held at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, 70715 Highway 93, south, (south of Ronan,) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to the Pheasants Forever Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
