Dick HAMEL

Dick Hamel died Tuesday at his home, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born March 22, 1941, in St. Ignatius. Dick’s family then moved to Anaconda where he graduated from Anaconda High in 1959. He worked for the Anaconda Co. He then moved to California and worked in public service before moving back to Montana. He retired from the Montana Department of Transportation following 30 years of excellent service.Dick will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he touched. He will be fondly remembered for his gentle nature, kind heart and quick wit. He lived life to its fullest. He enjoyed hunting with friends and family, riding dirt bikes and motorcycles and camping. His camping pancakes were unequalled. He had a special eye for cars and trucks and loved driving. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his beloved grandchildren. They were the light of his life.Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Marianne (Martello) Hamel; stepchildren, Josh (Brenna) Vestre of Missoula and Nicole (Bill) Edmonson of Belgrade; mother-in-law, Ann Martello of Helena; brothers, Gary (Margie) Hamel of Helena and Bob (Peggy) Hamel of Anaconda; sisters, Eunice (Lauren) Schlaeppi of Deer Lodge, Dawn McAndrew of Sandy, Utah, Beth McDermott and Linda (Rob) Nichols, Anaconda; grandchildren, Chase and Emma Vestre, Kiara Gill and Ashlynn Edmonson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Rhea Hamel, and his father-in-law, Edward Martello.A vigil service will be held at Retz Funeral Home Chapel in Helena at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Funeral liturgy begins at 11 a.m. Friday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.Pallbearers will be Gary Hamel, Bob Hamel, Bill Stephenson, Harry Romasko, Tom Martello and John Hickey. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Vestre, Bill Edmonson and Gary Joe Hamel.Memorials: St. Peter’s Hospice, 2475 Broadway, Helena 59601, or to a charity of choice.