Richard Bostwick

Richard "Dick" Bostwick, 94, passed away on February 2nd at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center. He was born on March 17, 1918, in Billings, Montana to Leslie and Maude Bostwick. An avid athlete, he played football, basketball and American Legion baseball throughout his youth. Never losing sight of his goals, he entered the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship where he was the quarterback from 1939-1941. While in undergraduate school, he received an R.O.T.C. Commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and graduated from University of Wyoming in 1943. He entered law school and after one year was called for active duty and attended Army Intelligence School at Camp Richie, Maryland graduating in 1944. While on leave in Chicago, he met Bettye Brooks and they were married a year later in Grenada, Mississippi. He continued his service in the Army, with Military Intelligence training, eventually joining General Patton with the 94th Division in Europe. He was awarded four battle stars for campaigns in Northern France, Central Europe, Ardennes and the Rhineland. He earned the Victory Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and the European Medal with 4 battle stars and retired as Captain. After the war, he returned to the University of Wyoming School of Law and graduated in 1947. In 1949, he and Ed Murane formed the law firm of Murane and Bostwick in Casper, which still bears his name. During the 46 years of practice, he specialized in medical malpractice defense work. He served as President of the Natrona County Bar Assn, Wyoming State Bar, International Society of Barristers and was a member of the executive committee of the American Judicature Society. His distinguished service to the AMJ, was recognized by that organization when he was awarded the Herbert Harley Award, one of the organizations highest awards that was named for the founder. He is a past post Commander of the American Legion. He was active in the Masonic Lodge, including the Shrine and the Casper Rotary Club. Dick, Virginia Lathrop and Trula Cooper were the Natrona County Blue Envelope board, affectionately called "The Three Musketeers." for many years. He established the Pro Bono Program in Wyoming. He retired from his law practice in 1991 spending time in Casper and Arizona. He helped develop the community swim program, coached little league and was an avid skier and golfer. He is survived by his wife, Bettye, of 69 years, Mike of San Diego, CA., Patty of Casper, Ed (Melody), Seattle, WA, and Dick of Casper; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He touched the lives of many people throughout his long and memorable life. At the request of the family, there will be a private memorial service. Interment will be at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial Casper Senior Center.