Richard Trottier, age 65, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND surrounded by his family.

Richard Edwin Trottier was born on November 15, 1957 in Belcourt, ND to Patrick and Antoinette (Gourneau) Trottier.  He was raised in Belcourt and completed his education there as well, furthering his education and obtaining his welding training and certificate from United Tribes Technical College in 1978.

Richard was united in marriage to Melinda Grant in 1974 and together they had four children; Melonna, Kimberly, Jesse and Jason.  They later divorced and he was united in marriage to Ruth Delorme on August 16, 1996 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt. From this union he gained two step-daughters; Ann and Ashley.  Richard worked as a welder for many years starting at the Turtle Mountain Manufacturing in 1980.  In 2004, Richard left his job at the manufacturing plant to teach welding at the Turtle Mountain Community High School until he retired in 2021. He enjoyed his work and loved teaching his trade and knowledge to others, especially his children and grandchildren.

Richard enjoyed his horses and listening to classic country music.  He had a welding shop at home where he loved creating and making decorative metal pieces for his family and friends.  In the summer and fall he enjoyed trail rides and sitting by a fire roasting hot dogs.  Family time was always important to Richard, he enjoyed the food and company of each cookout or family gathering.  He was always present for his family and friends and was not afraid to guide them, always keeping everyone in line.  Richard will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Ruth Trottier of Belcourt; children, Melonna (Donald) Plant, Kimberly (Kenneth) Trottier, Jesse Trottier, Jason (Gina) Trottier, Ann (Terri Ann) Vallie, all of Belcourt, and Ashley (Andrew) Poitra of West Fargo; 12 grandchildren, Tori (Connor) Plant, Sarah (Travis) Plant, Richard Plant, Kelsie Reed, Keith (Autumn) Enno, Wyatt (Kelsey) Enno, Toby "Jammers" Enno, Collin Trottier, Jordan Trottier, Carter Trottier, Emmitt Peach, and Bailey Poitra; six great grandchildren, Journey "Gizhi" Meeches, Liam Meeches, Brenleigh Demery, Braxtyn Demery, JohnJoshua Peach, and Walker Dunn; siblings, Martin (Lisa) Trottier, Darrell (Sherri) Trottier, Sandy (Vernie) Parisien, Roberta (Bobby) Baker, Pricella (Kurt) Trottier, all of Belcourt, and Jodi Trottier of Grand Forks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Antoinette Trottier, brothers, Randy and Clifford Trottier, grandchildren, Julius Trottier and Ethan Trottier, and great granddaughter, Emberly Peach.

Casket Bearers are Keith Enno, Wyatt Enno, Toby Enno, Collin Trottier, Emmitt Peach, Keaton Bruce, Chance LaFountain, and Kevin Trottier. Music by Martin Trottier, Richard Turcotte, and C. Joe Parisien.  Eucharistic Gifts by Tori Plant, Sarah Plant, Kelsie Reed, Jordan Trottier, and Bailey Poitra.  Readers are Michella Delorme and Renee Guilbert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at Noon prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will take place at a later date.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.