Obituary: Richard Bellquist

Richard Bellquist

Richard Allen Bellquist died July 31, 2023.

Richard was born September 8, 1945. He grew up on a farm on the edge of Cathay, N.D., the third child of Emus and Evelyn (Davis) Bellquist. He had three siblings, Darlene (Willyard), Dareld, and younger sister, Sheila (Lange).

Richard graduated from Cathay, N.D., in 1963 and then attended NDSCS in Wahpeton before joining the Navy. He served four years in the Navy and returned to North Dakota and worked construction for a while.

Richard married Judy Ross and they moved to Aurora, Colo., in 1972. He went to work for the United States Postal Service. Richard remarried in 1981 to Barbara Reilly.

Rich worked for USPS until he retired. Richard had many dogs throughout his adult life, mostly rescues. When Rich had time off and after he retired he enjoyed traveling to a good fishing spot. After retirement Richard spent a lot of time back in North Dakota during the summers visiting family, friends and helping his nephew on the farm.

Rich enjoyed just sitting around playing cards, having a cookout, or just BSing with his friends or anybody who liked to talk and have a beer. Richard was always up for having a good time.

Richard was laid to rest at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colo.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; siblings, Dareld and Sheila and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Emus; mother, Evelyn; stepfather, Selmer Veen; sister, Darlene; brother-in-law, George Willyard and nephews, Glen and Todd Willyard.