We were so sorry to hear of Babe's passing. We will keep all of the family in our prayers. We have many memories of Uncle Ross and Aunt Grace at our Grandma and Grandpa Butlin's house.

Teri, Kay and Jo Ann

I never met Babe, but my best friend Debbie talked about him often.  He sounded like a wonderful man and a great American.  I just lost my father, a Submarine vet in WW2. There aren't many of these brave proud Americans left. I know Debbie will miss him a lot as I do my wonderful Father. May  God bless you Babe.  Signed, a friend you never met. Sandi Davis

Dear Janine, Debbie, and family, it has been such an honor and pleasure to become part of Rimrock and the Rimrock legacy that Richard created.  He has been a mentor, friend, and teacher for us.  We so love the house he built and the land is so incredible with the numerous kinds of birds, plants and animals.  Richard told us many amazing beautiful, funny and heart-wrenching stories about his childhood and WWII experiences.  He is a true hero and we all owe him a debt for the price he paid for freedom that we take for granted daily.  Thank you for bringing him to the Rimrock Open House in October and sharing his WWII memorabilia.  So many people enjoyed meeting him.  It was a fabulous day for all. He had a great sense of humor and it was always so fun to laugh with him.  We are sad that he is not with us in body, but he so loved Rimrock and all of you (he spoke so highly of his family and his love for you all), that he can't be far away.  Let's celebrate the gifts he left us all to enjoy and the way he has influenced us and help make us who we are.  The world is such a better place for having had his beautiful presence in it. Forever grateful, John and Colleen Pelkey  

Janine, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember Uncle Babe's great sense of humor from my childhood. He always made time for us, and he was a kind, great-uncle who was really a great uncle, too. We will miss him.

We  miss you very much Uncle Babe we've spent a lot of time together and all our grandbabies you treated as yours they all enjoyed visiting you and the times  you let them dance read and  played with them and for  the treats you always seemed to find for them they always made you smile, you have always been a trooper always thanking everyone for taking care of you and never complaining we are so glad our children and theirs got to know and love you . you will be in all our hearts forever the memories are priceless thank you for all the WW2 stories and your service which you loved so much everyone who got to know  you thought you were so special,  Love you Bruce , Deanna  and family

You will be missed, Babe.  You were my great Uncle and I enjoyed talking with you and hearing all of your war stories and experiences.  I still remember when you had the old Scout and took us for rides along the bluffs.  Those are fond memories I will take and remember you by.  We're glad we had the chance to visit with you around Christmas. 

Thank you for your service in WWII. 

Love,

Chris and Shannon

My condolences to you Janine, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Babe was my hero from my childhood days. He was a great uncle, and, he was a U.S. Marine who served his country when we needed him. He has remained my hero throughout time. I remember a lot of happy Sundays spent at Grampa Hanson's farm with all the brothers and sisters of the Hanson clan, and what seemed like a hundred cousins. I didn't get to see Uncle Babe very much after I moved from Minnesota. I am so happy I got to spend time with him last September. I will miss him very much. 

"What we have enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." - Helen Keller.

Barry Hanson

i had the pleasure of knowing Richard for many years because he was my best friend's dad. I didn't realize what a hero he was until my own son Eddie became a US Marine and explained to me about the battles Richard fought in. Richard was a beautiful person who enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Janine was lucky to have quality time with him over the past years. He will be missed!  Love and sympathy to Janine from Barb Eddie Sean Julia Rachel and Aaron Nevin.

You will be missed Uncle Babe.You were such a great Uncle and took all of us nieces & nephews under your wing when every else was gone. Getting us together for picnics. The way you were so kind to me, made me feel like the special niece of the Hanson clan. I could always talk you into doing things that you didn't want to. Loved your humor & wit. I'm sure you will be welcomed by all your sisters & brothers, parents and all those important to you. Thank you also for your service in WWII. Love you.