Milton Raymond DOLES 1949-2009
Milton R. Doles, 59, of Great Falls, a boilermaker, died of cancer Friday at a local hospital.A gathering of family and friends will be held at from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schnider Funeral Home, with dinner provided.Milton Raymond Doles was born in Great Falls, Dec. 9, 1949, to William Doles Sr. and Mary Able-Dyke Doles. He played football, first for Great Falls High and then for CMR. He graduated from CMR in 1968, in the school's first graduating class. Milton attended college for a couple years at MSU and U of M. He spent 10 years as a deep-sea diver for oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico and was a 24-year member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, and Shipbuilders. Milton was a student of history, science, architecture and genealogy. He was a good, thoughtful and gentle man who enjoyed a good run with life. His guiding principle was always to strive to do what was right, which he contemplated deeply. He had an enormous ability for insight into individuals, situations, and more often than not, with quick wit and humor. He would advise to follow your dreams, even when things don't turn out as expected, to accept the good with the bad and do what you have to do. His motto was "easy is hard enough." In the twilight of Milton's life the most unexpected, the most extraordinary, the most wonderful thing in Life occurred. There was Love. Her name is Maureen Nardinger. Milton's family and many friends are deeply grateful to Maureen for the gift she brought to Milton, and as a result, to us all. Milton will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him and enriched by his wisdom, courage and convictions. Survivors include his partner in life, Maureen Nardinger of Havre; a son, Jason Freeman and his mother Anita of Hattiesburg, Miss.; his father, William P. Doles Sr. of Great Falls; a brother, William P. Doles Jr. of Great Falls and his daughter, Kara.He was preceded in death by his mother.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Restore the Library" fund at the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59401, in the name of Milton Doles. Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.