Donald B. Dowling

Message from Towny

Dear Dowling family. My heart just broke to learn of Don's passing. I had no idea! What fond memories I have even from before high school of Don and my dad yakkin' it up at the roaring lion restaurant over coffee and the little pranks they played on each other over the years Then Don and Shirley supporting our Lady Broncs. I still have a vivid memory of when Weiner got her nose broken. Don was out on the floor scooping up his baby and whisking her to the hospital before any of us could register what had even happened. I will also never, ever forget when he came to our home to say goodbye to his old buddy a few days before dad died. I'm not sure I ever told him how much that meant to me. I hope he knew.. He has been greeted by many a friend and family member on the other side in heaven. May you all find peace in all the fun and loving memories and in Jesus. I would love to get an address for Shirley and Nanette. If you see this, please send an email. Lmtowny@gmail.com. Much love to you all!

Message from Maureen Driscoll Palecek

Shirley, Greg, Karlene, Donnie and Nanette
I sincerely mean it when I say I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with the family and getting to know Don he was a delight and he also helped me during the difficult time of my fathers passing I will be forever thankful please know I am thinking of all of you.
Maureen Driscoll Palecek

Message from Dr. Robert Kautz

My deepest condolences to the family. A true Bitterroot/Hamilton Icon has passed.
It was an honor and a privilege to have grown up knowing Don and Shirley and the kids.. My heart, and the world is a little sadder today.

Message from Lucille (Callender) McGinnis

Shirley, I remember you and Don from high school. You were such a beauty and Don, the handsome, quiet nice guy. From his picture, I would have recognized him, I think. Anyway, I have a soft spot in my heart regarding the people I knew and/or admired in HHS. You were a neat couple, and obviously made for each other. I see that you have had a very wonderful life and relationship for all this time. Sorry that he is gone from Earth, but not forgotten. I believe you will meet again.

A candle was lit by Georgia Filcher on May 29, 2017 10:50 PM

A candle was lit by Pam Hardy on May 29, 2017 9:01 PM

Message from Gail Carruthers White

RIP in peace, Donald. There aren't too many of us left.

Message from Rosemary

Dear Dowling family, I wanted to send my condolences on the loss of your dad & husband. He truly was a great guy. My family enjoyed living next door on 2nd street when we were kids - your parents were always so friendly & no matter how many years went by were glad to stop & visit. I hope this finds you all well and know that Don is resting in Gods care. With love, Rosemary (McKenna) Weber

Message from katiemborwne@comcast.net

Don and Shirley always always had smiles on their faces. Don loved the story about Dowling, Arivish, and McKenna on the golf course..... Kathleen (McKenna) Browne

Message from Missoula, Montana

I am very sorry for your loss. My father was Don's cousin, but I didn't get to know Don. My Dad died when I was five, so I didn't see much of his expanded family. But I did visit with my great aunt Mabel, and so appreciated her. I also visited the East Fork cabin, and remember ringing the bells.

Message from John Ballard

So sad when I heard the news of Dons passing. Will always remember how quick he was with a smile and always a twinkle in his eyes.

Message from John Duchscherer

Thanks Don for the nice things you did for all us graduates. Shirley, hope you will find peace knowing that God has him now. What a nice obituary as it was for Don.

Message from Mary Ann Darby

Greg,
Sending heartfelt condolences to the both of you, and thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family.
-Mary Ann

A candle was lit by Olan and Marleen Yoki on May 28, 2017 9:39 AM

Message from steve and phyllis kenley

Such and wonderful guy who will be missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

A candle was lit by phyllis and steve kenley on May 28, 2017 7:39 AM

Message from Sharon Linendoll

Don's humor was always shown in the sparkle in his eyes. He might look at you with a perfectly innocent expression on his face, but that sparkle gave him away every time. He will certainly be missed but I see him floating on clouds over his beloved mountains with a very big smile, knowing his Maker has reached down and led him up and away to a happy place.

Message from Anaconda, Montana

To Shirley, Greg and other members of the Dowling Clan. It was with sorrow and, at the same time, warm feelings, that I learned that an old friend had crossed the great divide.

Don and I were young and energetic once. It was back in the 1960s and 70s in Hamilton and we spent two years together as school trustees. We had contact every few days after Don collected obituary information from families at the funeral home. He was meticulous in compiling histories and made my job as a newspaper editor much easier.

I always felt that Don was a good friend. He also was a good person with a neat sense of humor. My wife, Mary Ann, appreciated his help when her parents passed on.

We were nearly the same age and both had children in school. That was another bond among us.

Like Many in our age group, we love to remember the good times and rarely dwell on the bad spells.

I will always hold the memory of Don Dowling with affection.

With Regards, Bob and Mary Ann Gilluly

Message from Clare Ballard

My thoughts are with you Shirley and all of your family.

Message from The Miller Girls

To all the family, may your memories keep your heart warm! Karyn, LaVonne, and JoAnne.

Message from Vivian Jeffries

Dear Shirley and Family.....expressing my sympathy and condolences for the loss of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather, bro-in-law, uncle & friend. Your loss will be shared and he will be missed by the many who knew him as a man with a kind face and such a caring aura that surrounded him when he smiled.

Message from Barbara Mellott Tidyman

Shirley: My thoughts and love are with you, dear friend. Every memory I have of Don includes that ready smile and gentle, warm friendship. My sympathy to your entire family. Barbara Mellott Tidyman -- Oro Valley, AZ

A candle was lit by Steve Flanagin on May 26, 2017 8:57 AM

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I always remember my uncle as kind and jovial, with a calm generous spirit. Very pleasant memories of counting the miles to Sula as a kid, waiting to visit the cabin in the woods. Cross the wooden bridge and jump out of the car to be the first up the hill to ring the big bell. Wonderful smells in the old cabin. Great breakfasts with lots of family talk.. Always someone willing to play cribbage. Making pretend puzzles out of pine bark pieces. And those wonderful treks out back. Many thanks to you and the family for all of that. And thanks uncle Don for not tanning my hide as a kid when we trampled all your alfalfa playing hide and seek in your field.

Message from Shirley

Loved your message, Steve. I'm so glad you have all those pleasant memories of him and the East Fork cabin. It's wonderful of you to put them down for all of us to read and I just wanted to let you know how much we all loved hearing from you. Lovingly, Shirley, Greg, Donnie, Karlene and Nanette.

Message from Becky, Jeff and Moose

Our lives are soooooo much richer, from having known Donald Dowling (Pops).
He left the earth better than he found it.

A candle was lit by Edmonds, Carol, Carol Jean and Tom on May 25, 2017 8:42 PM

A candle was lit by Troy, Kerry, Tristan, and Tanner Hanson on May 25, 2017 2:33 PM

Message from Dan and Cheryl Rothlisberger

Dowling Family, Our sincere condolences on Don's passing. We have missed seeing him at IGA (Red's) to chat. Dan and Cheryl

A candle was lit by April Olechnicki, Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers. on May 25, 2017 1:00 PM