Richard Falcon

Richard Falcon, 84, of Trenton, N.D., died Wednesday evening, Sept. 2, 2020, at his home.

He was born in Poplar on Feb. 23, 1936, to Albert and Rosina (Vondall) Falcon. He was raised and educated in Trenton, N.D. His first job was around the age of nine years old selling The Grit newspaper. This is where he received his first musical instrument. It was a harmonica, the grand prize for selling the most papers.

He got his first guitar from his mom at the age of 11. Friends and family of his parents would come to visit and wake him while he was sleeping, insisting he play the guitar for them. He had several bands and band members throughout his life. He played his music on the radio and television for the popular Faye Crush Show. He was proud of the fact that he was able to perform on TV “when TV just came out.”

He finished the eighth grade and went on to complete several one-year certifications, including auto mechanics, diesel mechanics and welding. He has been a waterwitcher, a surveyor, a river riprapper, a rancher, a gas station manager, a business owner and, most importantly, a musician. He has served on the Williams County Senior board, Trenton Senior board, but the one board that he was most proud of and was on for over 20 years, was the Trenton Housing board which he assisted in getting more than 40 HUD houses built for the people of Trenton.

He was united in marriage to Ardell Larson and together they had six children, Bill, Delmar, Myron, Fran and the twins, Lynn and Lon. They had 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

Richard and Ardell remained close friends throughout the years, raising their family with faith and love.

Throughout the years, he lived in Montana, Alaska, Washington and Colorado, but the happiest time of his life was living in his mom and dad’s home in Trenton.

He was caring, kind, gentle, courageous, strong, wise and loved deeply. His faith in God and dedication to the church was something to be admired. The faith, love and empathy he showed everyone will live on through all who loved him.

He is survived by his children, William “Bill” Falcon, Delmar Falcon, Myron Falcon, Fran Tangedal, Lynn Falcon and Lon Falcon; brother, Roger Falcon; sister, Irene “Sissy” Falcon; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Pat, Louis, Charles, Ernie, Ronald “Pealer,” Melvin, Paul, Eddie and August “Babe;” sisters, Rena and Angeline; and grandchildren, Pascal, Ritchie and Dallas.

His Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williston, N.D. Father Russell Kovash officiated. Interment was in the Trenton Cemetery.