Richard Peter Heinz

Richard Peter Heinz, 94, went to meet the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 12. He was born on July 23, 1921 in Chicago, Ill. He served as a medic in the US Army’s 84th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. He graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a Bachelors in History in 1948 and a Juris Doctor in 1951. He married Carolyn J. Heinz on Dec. 23, 1973.

Richard, his first wife Trudi, and their daughter, Kathryn Ann, moved to Montana in 1954. He passed the Montana Bar in 1957, established a law practice and went on to serve four terms as Lake County Attorney (1963-66, 1970-83). He also served as President of the Montana County Attorneys Association, Chairman of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge in Polson, and President of the Flathead Sailing Association. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping the Reservation Pioneers establish the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum.

Richard loved to sail and tend his large rose garden. He also loved working with his hands, and built a cabin in the Mission Mountains and added two extra stories to the family home on Hillcrest Drive. He loved the Lord and his family and was a very active parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. He was a tireless advocate for and practitioner of justice, fairness, and charity throughout his legal career and life.

Richard is survived by his wife Carolyn, his son, Scott, Scott’s wife, Denise, his granddaughter, Samantha, and his great-grandson, Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eugene, his first wife, Trudi, and his daughter, Kathryn Ann.

A private family memorial service will be held by Father Hanley of John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Polson, with Reverend Dave Anson presiding. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lake County, Glacier Presbyterian Camp, or the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum. The family wishes to thank Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork for their loving care and kindness during the latter years of Richard’s life.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.