W. Richard Dukelow, 81

Dr. W. Richard Dukelow, 81, of Somers, passed away Jan. 1, 2018. Richard was born in Princeton, Minnesota, on Oct. 23, 1936, to William and Evelyn (Kettleson) Dukelow. He was raised in Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana.

Richard received his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D., all from the University of Minnesota. From 1964 to 1969 he was the assistant professor at the University of Georgia. From 1969 to 1974 he was the assistant professor and director of the Endocrine Research Center for Michigan State University. From 1975 to 1999 he became a full professor and director of the Endocrine Research Center. From 1985 to 1988 he was also the associate dean of Veterinary Medicine, and from 1993 to 1995 he also worked for the National Institutes of Health as the director of Primate Research Centers. During his tenure at Michigan State, “the Chief” mentored 29 graduate students towards successful careers. The culmination of Richard’s career at Michigan State was being awarded the Distinguished Faculty award in 1994.

Richard spent 36 years as a member of Toastmasters International, was the district governor of District 62 from 1972 to 1973, receiving their highest honor of “Distinguished Toastmaster.” He was an Eagle Scout, and a member of the Montana Historical Society. His honors and achievements included being a member of MENSA, founding member and past president of the American Science of Primatologists, and past president of the International Primatological Society.

Richard’s hobbies included outdoor writing, with over 200 articles on fishing, traveling the world, and researching U.S. history.

As a youth, he spent his summers in the Flathead at his grandfather’s farm, which led to his love of the area and his retirement to the valley.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his wives Carol, Vicki and Lynn.

He is survived by his sons, Scott Dukelow of Kalispell, Bruce (Janet) Dukelow of Eagle, Idaho, and Kyle (Janel) Dukelow of Portland; grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob and Camilla Dukelow; and great-grandchild, Adyn.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, with burial to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of Richard’s life will also be held later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Montana Historical Society.

“Go Green!”

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave a note of condolence. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.