East Helena Obituary: Richard “Rick” H. Smith Jr.
Author: Family of Richard “Rick” H. Smith Jr.
Richard “Rick” H. Smith Jr.
Family of Richard “Rick” H. Smith Jr.
Richard “Rick” H. Smith Jr., age 48, of E. Helena, April 16, 1977 – June 13, 2025
We lost a husband, father, son, nephew, brother, and friend, Richard Smith Jr., also known as Rick, Ricky, or Cheech, on June 13, 2025. He left an undeniable mark on every person who knew him.
Rick was born to Deb Petek and Rick Smith Sr. on April 16, 1977. Cheech grew up in East Helena and loved playing football and running track for Helena High School. While attending HHS, he met Amy Chesley, his rock. Rick and Amy welcomed Jazmyn on August 7, 1998, and soon after came Cori on May 25, 2000. Anyone who knew Rick knew that his family was his entire world. He loved to take them fishing, watch Jazzy and Cori’s basketball games, and spend time relaxing with his family in the Montana wilderness.
After his daughters flew from the nest, Rick, along with his wife, Amy, spent much of their weekends bowling, golfing, and riding in the mountains on ATVs with their best friends Matt and Sam Gluth. Rick and Matt were known as “Mac and Cheech”, becoming inseparable. Between all the inside jokes and game-night packed weekends, is a bond shared between two chosen brothers, which will never be tarnished or forgotten. Rick lived a life he loved, full of activities and people he adored, jokes that will live on through those who were close to him, and sublime memories of his beautiful family.
Rick is survived by his wife, Amy Smith, and daughter Jazmyn (Gabe) Walsh, his mother, Deb Petek, father Rick Smith Sr, grandfather Peter Petek, and many more loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. Rick is preceded in death by his daughter Cori Smith, maternal grandmother Catherine Petek, paternal grandmother Norma Smith, and paternal grandfather Willis Smith.
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