Richard Lyle Schulz, 80

Richard (Dick) was born March 14, 1941 in Miles City, where he spent his childhood.

As a youngster, Dick was fascinated by and learned the electrical trade from his father, Herb “Sparky” Schulz, who owned and operated Schulz Electric. Some of his favorite memories of that time involved going on service calls with his dad.

In 1956, Dick and his parents, Sparky and Ella, moved to Polson, where shortly thereafter his father passed away. After graduating from Polson High School in 1959, Dick set his sights on attending Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, where he earned an associate degree in applied science while specializing in HVACR systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Upon returning to Polson with this expertise, he established Schulz Refrigeration based in Polson and enjoyed many years of serving the Northwestern Montana community.

Dick was a lifetime member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society and was active in several community organizations. He was the Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #1695 and as a Past Exalted Ruler stayed involved in that organization’s numerous charitable works and contributions to the community.

As a hobby, Dick became an avid collector of vintage mechanical and electrical appliances, equipment and tools. Some of Dick’s favorite discussions revolved around the history of and evolution of the items in his collection.

In recent years, Dick divided his time between his homes in Polson and Gardiner, Ore. He passed away Oct. 13, 2021 at Nashville, where he had recently relocated for health care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Ella Schulz, as well as his sister, Doris Brooks, and most recently by his wife, Ellen Traylor Schulz. He is survived by stepsons Aaron and Nathan Traylor, and his nephew, Mike Brooks.

All are welcome to attend a memorial in Dick’s honor at the Elks Lodge #1695 in Polson, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14.