Funeral services for Richard Rich, 67, of McLaughlin will be at 11 AM MT, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in McLaughlin. Richard passed away Saturday September 5, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements.

Richard was born October 26, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, to David Stanley Rich and Patricia Waller Rich. He attended high school in Apopka, Florida, and later attended ITT in Orlando, Florida, where he studied electrical engineering.

Richard learned the value of hard work at an early age. After losing his father when he was young, he started his own lawn service as a teenager, taking care of yards in his neighborhood and earning his own spending money. That early interest in caring for lawns would remain a part of Richard throughout his life.

Richard had a genuine love for plants and gardening. He worked at several greenhouses in Florida and often spoke fondly of his time working with plants. Gardening continued to be one of his greatest interests, and after moving to McLaughlin, he put that passion into his own gardens and yards. He took great pride in his property and could often be found outside working in the garden, mowing the lawn or finding another project to keep him busy. He wanted his yards to look their best and took satisfaction in seeing the results of his work.

Richard later owned two successful Servpro franchise businesses in Houston, Texas. He eventually moved to McLaughlin to help his sister as a landsman, conducting title searches for ranchers and farmers in the area.

In 2014, Richard met Rita Bordeaux, who became the love of his life. They made their home together in McLaughlin and shared a love of the outdoors, nature and organic gardening. Their home and gardens became an important part of their life together.

Richard later earned his CDL and began driving truck for Cenex before going to work for Agtegra. He enjoyed his work at Agtegra and especially appreciated the friendships he made with the people he worked with.

Those who knew Richard will remember a man who liked to stay busy and take pride in what he was doing. Whether he was working in his garden, mowing his yard, working on a project or visiting with friends, Richard had a way of making the most of the life he had built in McLaughlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Patricia Rich, and his brother, John.

Richard is survived by the love of his life, Rita Olson Bordeaux; his beloved pets, Ace, Nancy, Prince of Darkness and Gideon; his brother, Peter David, and his children, Deanna Joy, Daniel Alexander and Christopher; his sister, Mary Rich Buschman, and her children, McKenzie and Emery; his sister, Elizabeth Grey Bear; his brother John’s children, John Jr., Stephanie Arant and Jennifer Rich; daughter Ashley Nicole; son Matthew Erickson; son Nathan Erickson; and grandson Dylan Winslow.

Richard’s life was shaped by the places he lived, the work he took pride in, the people he came to know and, especially, the time he spent with Rita. His love of gardening and the outdoors will remain a lasting reminder of the simple things that brought him happiness.

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