Col. Ira Paul Doctor, 97

Col. Ira Paul Doctor, 97, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was born Dec. 16, 1908, in New York City to Harry and Muriel (Knapp) Doctor.

After graduating from high school, Ira went to work on a tramp steamer and traveled all over the world. Back in New York, he joined the National Guard and after a field promotion served in the Signal Corps. He served in Africa, Italy and France during World War II. He worked with communications and was instrumental in getting these countries' communications back up and going. He served his country in the military for 16 years.

Ira married Virginia Yachechak in New Jersey on June 12, 1965.

Ira worked for various NASA contractors, moving from one project to another. He was very instrumental in designing the navigational equipment for the lunar modules.

Ira was a life member of the Masonic Lodge in New Jersey and very active with the American Legion in St. James, N.Y.

After his retirement in 1966, he traveled with his wife all over the world. Ira was quite a craftsman and enjoyed working in his shop creating furniture.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Doctor, of Kalispell; three sons, Alan Doctor and wife, Sherry, of Flushing, N.Y., Robert Doctor and wife, Denise, of Stony Brook, N.Y., and Ken Yachechak and wife, Pati Pennington, of Kalispell; one daughter, Susan Bourbon, and husband, Anthony, of Windhoek, Namibia, Africa; and four grandchildren, Jason and Rebecca Doctor, and Kaci and Gini Yachechak.

Private graveside services will be held.

The family suggests any memorial gifts be given to the Home Options/Hospice: 175 Commons Loop, Suite No. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ira's family.