Butte native Robert M. Richards of 3590 Hartford passed away at his home.   He was born in Butte on December 3, 1939 to Joseph and Christina (Nicholson) Richards. He was educated in Butte schools and graduated from Butte High School.

      He was a hoisting engineer for the Anaconda company.   He then was manager of the Golden Rule store in Butte and in Billings for a short time.   He later became manager of Sherman-Williams Paint here in Butte.

      Bob served his country in the Marine Corps Reserves.   He was a member of the Order of DeMolay, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 24, AF&AM, and the Presbyterian church.   He was an avid fisherman.

      He married Peggy Kristovich in Butte in 1962.   They later divorced.   Survivors include a son, David Richards, Anchorage, Alaska;   daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Mearle Taylor, Butte;   granddaughter, Mariah Jo Taylor, Butte;   brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Kay Richards, Ojai, CA;   John and Jean Richards, Fort Collins, CO;   sisters and brothers-in-law, Pearl and Walter Campbell, Tucson, AR;   Issy and Herb Parish, Loon Lake, WA;   Tina and Harlan Ross, Kirkland WA;   aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, and by sisters, Florence "Flossie" Stewart, Susannah Richards, and by a brother, William Richards.

      His remains have been cremated in Butte and no services are scheduled at this time.   Memorials may be made to the Butte Special Olympics or to the Butte Sheltered Workshop.   Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.