Richard (Rip) Alan Busby

Richard (Rip) Alan Busby passed away Feb. 23, 2016 at the age of 42. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho on June 4, 1973 to Joe and Fran Busby. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1991.  His biggest passion besides watching the Raiders, was to cook for friends and family.  He managed the Outback Steak Houses in Spokane, Washington for seven years.  He also cooked for the Backroom and Bluemoon Bar in Columbia Falls until he wasn’t able to work due to his cancer. 

It’s been a long, hard-fought journey for this young man to be taken away from us way to early. He was a Raiders fan fighting to the end, even telling everyone he wasn’t going anywhere the last day he was with us. He was always encouraging others to continue to move forward and look beyond, not to give up.

With the help of his family and friends he was given his wish of seeing the Raiders play football in person this last December in Oakland, where he got to go onto the field and meet some of the players and get their autographs. The family would like to thank the Brendan House staff for helping make this possible and all the great care you gave to him.  

He is preceded in death by his great grandparents and grandparents, Clarence and Ruth Goodridge, Henry and Christine Eriksmoen, Richard Olsen and Curt Warren.  

He is survived by his parents, Joe Busby of Columbia Falls;  Fran Busby and Dave Owens of Columbia Falls; his sister, Lisa Hill and husband Cory of Kalispell; their children, Brittanie, Zachary, Paige and Payton; sister, Kim Busby of Columbia Falls; her children Trentin, Kealie and Taylin; his brother Jerry Busby of Eureka, California; grandmas Eleanor Olsen of Kalispell; and Virginia Warren of Orangeville, California; plus a very large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.  

A celebration of his life is Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Eagles in Columbia Falls, from 2-5 p.m.  Come and celebrate the life of Rip at the potluck of this truly amazing young man that was taken away from us way to early.  He will always be looking over us, no longer in pain. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace, Rip.

Go Raiders!