Richard Dean Hillstead, 68, of West Wendover, NV passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at home after a short battle with cancer. He was born to Noah and Jean Hillstead on November 23, 1945 in Afton, WY. He was the youngest boy in a family of 10 children. He attended Fairview Elementary School in Fairview, WY and he graduated from Star Valley High School in Afton, WY in 1964. Richard enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard in 1965. While working as a part-time cook and part-time bartender at the Golden Spur Café in Afton, WY, he started dating Iris Potter and they were married in 1973. He broke in as a dealer in Jackpot, NV in 1974. He started working for the State Line Casino in 1980 and over the next 32 years, would become an accomplished dealer and pit boss. He made many friends during that time. While raising his two boys, Richard enjoyed taking them camping and doing several constructive projects around the house. He retired in early 2012 and took on his most enjoyable role, a stay-at-home Grandpa. He cherished the precious time he spent with his grandchildren. On June 4, Richard was diagnosed with cancer and he was taken from us on July 27. He is now in a place where there is no pain and we feel comforted by the fact that he is surrounded by the family that has preceded him in death. His father Noah, his mother Jean, sisters Ruth and Verla, brothers Robert and John and his son Clark. He is survived by his wife Iris, son Seth (Keri), grandchildren Hannah, Hayden, Hadley and Holliann, sisters Lavon and Jane, brothers George, Lawrence and Heber.
Funeral services were held August 4, 2014 at the Wendover LDS Church in Wendover, UT and he was laid to rest on August 6, 2014 in Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, WY.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who helped us during this very difficult time. It has been so very hard to lose Richard but all your thoughtfulness and kindness is appreciated so much.