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Richard Laws Obituary
November 2, 1950 - August 18, 2025
MISSOULA - Richard Ross Laws, 74, of Missoula, Montana, passed away August 18, 2025.
He was born in Missoula, MT on November 2, 1950. Rich graduated from Sentinel High School and received a bachelor's degree in Radio and Television from the University of Montana in 1974. He was married to Carol O'Neil on June 20, 1984.
Rich worked in the radio and television industry. He was a DJ for several country stations, as well as spending 30 years working for KPAX tv in master control and media prep. He had a passion for photography. He spent many years as a wedding photographer and ran a black & white darkroom for real estate photography.
Growing up, he was in 4-H for 10 years and served as a 4-H leader for 10 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Norris Laws and Delia Laws.
He is survived by his wife Carol Laws; stepson, Patrick Talley (Jennifer), grandchildren, Clayton, Jackson (Kendra), and Katie (Joey) Guilitto; step-son Thomas Stanley; grandchildren, Hannah (Brody) Smith, Mae Cavinta, and Cyler Stanley; and great grandchildren, Joey IV Guilitto and Sloane Guilitto; cousins, Mike and Jim Reed and Debbie Reed Thrall. There are 3 grandchildren that are expected to arrive in January 2026. Rich loved being a grandpa.
Rich was a kind and compassionate man and will be missed!
A Celebration of Life Service is being planned in the spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Missoula 4-H via Missoula CO. 4-H Extension Office, 1075 South Ave W., Ste 1, Missoula, MT 59801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Laws
2 Entries
Barbara Neilson
September 11, 2025
Rich was a true treasure. I always enjoyed working with him doing weddings. He taught me so much. I will always cherish our working together. He was a very kind soul.
Kay and Ron Kent
September 8, 2025
Rich was truly a gentle soul whose kindness touched everyone he met. Remember listening to him on the radio as the DJ, impressed as to what he had to do getting the shows up for the TV station to broadcast. Rich working hard to photograph the couples at their wedding's and taking the time to do our extended family photos, and gatherings. But more than anything, he was devoted to my sister and embraced our family with warmth and love. His laughter, creativity and generous heart will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. We carry his light with us, always.
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