Richard Gruel
Rick
Rick Gruel, 60, of Roundup, passed away July 26, 2010, after a
short but courageous battle with cancer.
Rick was born January 18, 1950, in San Bernardino, CA. In 1952
the family moved to Portage, MT, and lived on a ranch. Rick
attended the same one-room school there that his father
attended.
In 1961 the family moved to Billings. Rick graduated from
West High School in 1968. After doing his time in the Army,
Rick became a member of the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers in 1973.
In 1992 Rick married Elaine Jolliff-McDonald, literally the
“girl next door.” He said, “The best thing that ever
happened to me!” Together they traveled extensively for what
Rick considered “a working vacation.” The highlight of
Rick’s career was meeting new brothers and reuniting with
others.
Rick was involved with many “sick and needy” fundraisers,
trying to help others when they were down and out. The last
function he did was on June 18, 2010. Rick recently had a
kidney removed due to cancer on April 30th. Not knowing that
he was still so sick or that the cancer had spread to his
liver, Rick managed to haul his smoker to the benefit in
Cheyenne, WY. The Brotherhood was and always will be his way
of life. He says the “wormy wiremen in Heaven” are in for a
rude awakening. He is on his way as “Bull Steward.”
Rick was preceded in death by his biological father, Joseph
(Mel) Terribilinni; his dad who adopted him, Richard (Dick)
Gruel; mother, Thelma Gruel; his brother, Ron Gruel; nephew,
Byron Gruel; and his favorite mother-in-law, Frances Jolliff.
The losses were hard to bear, and Rick suffered deeply.
Rick is survived by his wife, Elaine; a daughter, Kristin
Gruel; three stepchildren: Pam McVicker, Scott McDonald, and
Wendy Lind; five grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor, and Jared
McVicker; Cameron McDonald, and Chas Lind. He is also
survived by two brothers: Andy (Brenda) Gruel and Robert
(Toki) Gruel; four sisters: Sandy Dorsett of Missoula, Carol
Anderson of Billings, Cindy (Les) Ingle, and Doris (Rick)
Elkins from California; his father-in-law Maynard Jolliff of
Lewistown; several nieces and nephews, and his
IBEW brothers and sisters who meant the world to him.
Rick, we know there are special people waiting for you, and
now you are out of pain. You were tough as nails, and you
inspired us all.
Funeral services for Rick will be held at 1:00 p.m., on
Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary,
1001 Alderson Avenue in Billings. Cremation will follow. The
casket is open for visitation. A reception will immediately
follow the funeral service at the IBEW, 5200 Midland Rd.
As Rick would say to his grandkids, "Grandpa is lonesome".
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
We knew Rick many years ago and are saddened to hear of his death. Know that we will keep his family in our hearts and prayers as they face these difficult times. Gary and Carrie Drye
One great Brother, gone but will never be
forgotten.
Jim & Gail Becker
# 3099
Rick and Elaine Gruel were our neighbors in
the Bull Mountains, Roundup, MT. They were known in the mountains as
"good people". Rick would give you the shirt off his back to help
you out! He would be their in the blink-of-an-eye to help you out.
Living in the mountains, we would get a lot of snow. Especially in
the little mountain valley where the Gruels and us lived. I always
called it a piece of Heaven due to its beauty and all the deer, elk,
turkies and blue birds. It always seemed we got more snow than
anyone else. Whenever it would snow... I would look out my window
and see Rick on his plow going up and down my driveway and the
roads. I remember Rick as a very hard worker. My grandson, Cody,
worked along side Rick and Brownie a lot in helping them tear down
their former home on their ranch and putting up a new one. Cody
loved Rick and loved working beside him. Rick would encourage Cody
to "get his butt into electrical school and join his crew".
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse for Cody and that
dream never came true. Cody is my grandson and I told him last night
on the phone about Rick's passing. He broke down and cried. He said
"Rick was such a good person and he enjoyed every minute he spent
with him". Rick and Brownie helped me on my place numerous times
when I had to move back to the city of Billings. I remember both as
being very hard workers with hearts of gold. A person couldn't have
better neighbors than Rick and Elaine Gruel. Elaine is a sweetheart
and shines inside and out with beauty. Our prayers go out to Elaine
and family. I am sure their grandkids are going to miss their
Grandpa Rick tremendously. God bless all the family. We send our
love and prayers. The world will miss you Rick! I am sure you will
stay very busy in Heaven helping others.
Bonita Raitt Burton, formerly of 29 Cody Road, Roundup, MT
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct
your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6
I first met Rick back in 1968, at Billings
Senior High. We became very close friends and spent time together
until I departed for the military in 1969. He was always there for
me when I needed him. We had some good times together, which I will
always cherish. I know his family will surely miss him and you know,
I will too!
James Crouse
Vancouver, WA