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Richard Lyle Harwood, Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 21, 2026, at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Richard was born on December 25, 1948, on the family farm in Orange Township, North Dakota, to Lyle and Doris (Davis) Harwood. He attended North Lemmon School through the eighth grade and then worked various jobs for area farmers. In 1969, Richard was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in Vietnam from 1969–1970.

After returning home from Vietnam, Richard drove a school bus for the McIntosh School District for several years before meeting his wife, Susan Genoff. They were married on August 9, 1974 and had 2 children (Richard, Jr (Rick) in 1975 and Kathi in 1977. He purchased and settled on the land north of Lemmon that had been owned by his parents and grandparents in 1979. There, he farmed and raised a small herd of cattle while also working at the Lemmon Equity until 1989.

In 1989, Richard began his own tire repair business, a career he continued for many years. His shop and field service truck were an important part of his work until a fire destroyed the shop and truck in 2009. Never one to sit still, Richard continued repairing tires from his new shop afterward, although he no longer had his field service truck.

Richard was a man who loved his community and especially enjoyed working with children. He taught Hunter Education for 39 years teaching kids from across ND and SD and was honored as Instructor of the Year in 2010. He also served as a Scout leader and rifle club instructor, and he served for many years as president of the Orange Township Board. Richard shared his love of the outdoors, safety, and service with generations of young people.

For nearly 40 years, Richard also drove school buses for students in McIntosh, Lemmon, and Hettinger. He took great pride in the relationships he built with the children and families along the way.

One of Richard's favorite traditions was playing Santa Claus. Whether appearing for the City of Lemmon or at private parties, he took great joy in bringing smiles and Christmas magic to children and families. His generosity, humor, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan, two children, Rick (Liz) Harwood of Mantorville, MN, Kathi (Todd) Olson of Lemmon, four grandchildren; Cody Olson of Rapid City, Brady Olson of Lemmon, Kylie and Trevor Harwood of Mantorville, MN, and one brother-in-law, Charles Abell of Rapid City, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Doris Harwood; his parents-in-law, George and Rose Genoff; his sisters, Alice (Marvin) Timm, Betty (Art) Hartwell, and Ruby Harwood; and his sister-in-law, Dianne Abell.

Richard leaves behind a lifetime of memories and countless lives touched through his work, service, friendship, and love of family. His legacy will live on in the generations of children he taught and transported, the young people he mentored, the community he served, and, most of all, in the family he loved dearly. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Service of Remembrance will be Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. MT at the Prince of Peace Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.  Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.  A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. MT at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.