Gifford Doty

Gifford D. Doty, 82, of Cascade, retired military and a retired meat cutter with Highway Grocery in Cascade, died after a long illness on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at a local hospital.A funeral liturgy will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cascade. A burial of ashes will immediately follow at Hillside Cemetery in Cascade. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Gifford Dean Doty was born on June 5, 1930 in Wakonda, South Dakota to Clarence and Alice Doty. He graduated from Wakonda High School in 1948. He left the day after graduation for the United States Marines. He was very proud of his military service, though laughingly said he didnt know if he would live to be 19. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He decided it would be safer to join the Air Force and changed braches of service in 1952. There he worked in the bomb squadron. He served in Germany with the 29th Fighter Squadron FIS. He had two tours in Korea, one in the Marines and one while in the Air Force. He also served a year in French Morocco. After being in Le Fond du Lac, Quebec, he went to Gore Hill in Great Falls followed by Billings, Montana. Upon his retirement from the military on Aug 31, 1968 he then went to work as a meat cutter in Havre, Conrad, and with JoAnn in Cascade. He retired again took up trapping and drove school bus, a job he loved.He married JoAnn Dose on May 4, 1957, and was a devoted husband until her death in 2011. Together they enjoyed their family and many friends. The couple was inseparable. Giff was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. He loved to attend their school programs, follow their many sports, and was their biggest fan.Giff will be remembered as being a great grandfather, for his sense of humor, huge garden, and love of people. He loved to laugh and play practical jokes. He played pool league and had the craziest little song when he won. His detailed memory and knowledge of politics and current events was amazing. Gifford was very happy to give to others and had several charitable organizations he supported.He was a member of the VFW, Marine Corps League, and Senior Citizens Center of Cascade.He was an avid hunter and fisherman in his earlier years. His whole life revolved around being able to retire so he could hunt and fish. He lived on the Smith River between 1964 and 1967.Gifford is survived by his sons Pat (Becky) Doty of Great Falls, Mike (Bobbie) Doty of Billings, Tom Doty of Billings; nieces Susan (Jeff) Sylliaasen of South Dakota, Debbie (Ed) Klasi of South Dakota; a nephew John Dose of South Dakota; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. During his last days Giff was surrounded by those who loved him. He had an amazing sense of peace and was looking forward to again being with JoAnn.He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, JoAnn; infant twins Pamela and Mark; and an infant granddaughter.In lieu of flowers, the family would direct memorials to Sletten Cancer Institute, 1117 29th St S Ste 200, Great Falls, MT 59405, or the Cascade Senior Citizens Center, Cascade, MT 59421.