Richard Joseph McIlvain Jr.

He was born in Jamaica, New York on February 3, 1950 and was the son of Richard J. McIlvain Sr. and Florence (Wirth) McIlvain.

Growing up in Queens and New York City, NY, Rick attended Catholic schools until 1967 when his father was transferred to Keene, New Hampshire for employment where Rick went on to graduate from Monadnock Regional High School, in Swanzey, NY, in 1968. He then graduated, with a Liberal Arts Degree and minor in History, from Keene State College (University of NH), Kappa Delta Phi, in May 1973.

After college, Rick’s career began as a General Manager of Furr’s Cafeterias. He began in Houston, Texas in 1976 and 8 years later, he was transferred to Corpus Christi, TX for a short 2 years before finally making his way to Wichita, Kansas where he continued with Furr’s from 1985-2002. But, this didn’t end his journey of the restaurant business as he went on to own Anthony’s in Wichita and Colwich Steakhouse, in Colwich, KS.

When Rick moved from NYC to New Hampshire in 1967, he developed a passion for the outdoors by fishing and hunting. He soon became friends with many guys who taught him the outdoor sports since he couldn’t do any in NYC, especially when moving to Houston and Corpus Christi, where he fell in love with saltwater fishing. He loved to fish off the jetties in Galveston and would cast his saltwater poles into the Padre Islands of Corpus Christi. And once to Kansas, he used his hunting skills from New Hampshire to deer and quail hunt.

Being an avid sports fan, Rick loved all sports and was an avid fan of the NY Yankees, Boston Bruins, NY Giants, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He loved studying them for his gambling bets and he was actually quite good at it!

And most of all, Rick loved a good drink. He loved to visit the local bars and meet all kinds of people.

He was a one of a kind gentleman and will be missed by all.

Rick is survived by: his wife, Katharine (Kathy) of 45 years; sisters, Pat Hasting of Keene, NH and Diane Perham of Fitzwilliam, NH; sisters-in-law, Peggy Madden of Swanzey, NH and Marilyn Nelson of Gilmanton, NH; brother-in-law, Charlie (Susan) Cobb of Denver, CO; nephews, Ryan Madden of Keene, NH, Jeff Nelson of Gilmanton, NH, and Spencer Cobb of Denver, CO; Uncle Frank Wirth and wife Barbara of Hoboken, NJ; nieces, Krista Sheehan (Larry), Jenna Gross (Martin) and Annicka Cobb; and Kitties: Abby, Joey & Yogi.

Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. CST, on Friday, August 11, 2023, with Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. CST, both at Resthaven Mortuary in Wichita, Kansas, with Eulogist, Celebrant Cyndi Mendoza-Jones.

After the service, all are invited to join Kathy, family, and friends for a get-together at Dudley's Irish Pub, 8550 W. 21st St. #500, Wichita, KS 67205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the McIlvain family.