Richard H. 'Dick' Bouma, 78, of Helena, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena.

He was born April 16, 1928, in Columbus, the son of Henry Bouma and Myrtle (Snyder) Bouma. He graduated from high school at Columbus, and then served in both the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

He and Gladys Fern Townsend were married in Helena on March 2, 1950. She preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 1972. Later, he and Jean P. Smith were married at Couer D'Alene, Idaho, on Aug, 23, 1974. She survives him.

Also surviving is one son, Bert H. (Jeanne) Bouma, of Helena. Other survivors include a sister, Katherine McKeith of Reedpoint; a nephew, Floyd McKeith of Champaign, Ill.; a niece, Charlotte Van Oosten of Reedpoint; numerous grand-nieces and nephews; a step-daughter, Loretta Lee Eusek (John); step-granddaughter, Angela Groudle and step-grandson, Edmun Eusek, and three step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bouma was employed by the federal government at Fort Harrison, beginning in Jan. of 1947, and retired due to health reasons in September 1974. He was an adjudicator working with veterans claims, and retired as an authorizer. Hobbies included fishing and accounting.

His memberships include Helena Lodge, #3, A.F.& A.M.; also Ottawa Lodge #51, A.F. & A.M.; the Helena Scottish Rite Bodies; the Algeria Shrine Temple; Helena Lodge, No. 193, B.P.O.E., Helena Aerie # 16, F.O.E., the Disabled American Veterans, Stillwater Post #34, American Legion.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Forestvale Cemetery, with military honors by the Lewis and Clark Veterans Council, and Masonic rites performed there.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to: the Shriner's Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, P.O. Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624, or to The Montana Masonic Foundation, P.O. Box 1158, Helena, MT 59624

Richard H Bouma