John Poling, 79

John Poling passed away Oct. 24 2021, at St. John’s Hansen Cottage in Billings under the loving care of the staff there.

John was born to Delmer and Irene Poling May 30,1942. He was raised in Glasgow with siblings Carol, Neil and Dan, attending schools and graduating from high school there.

John married Anita Wokal in 1963 and daughter Laurie was born to this union. He had many jobs in his young life and came to his true calling, flying airplanes, when he went to work for his father-in-law at Wokal Flying Service. He was an awesome pilot, beloved by the Glasgow community for his dedication, whether it was air ambulance or a trip for business or pleasure. He talked fondly of these years.

After his divorce, John moved to Billings and was one of the first employees of Big Sky Airlines, where he worked for 20 years. He met Vida Nichols while working there and they were married in 1979.

When John and Vida lived in Kalispell he flew part time for Semitool and loved flying the Falcon 50. While living in Everett, Washington, he followed his passion for providing affordable housing by helping construct homes for Habitat for Humanity as a dedicated volunteer for several years.

John grew in his Christian faith through fellowship at Faith Chapel and the Walk to Emmaus. He was a wonderful friend and loved time with family and friends, whether it was golfing, time on the lake sailing, fixing up old houses and cars, or playing cards. He had a great sense of humor, was an incredible cook and loved to host people at home. He and Vida enjoyed travel to much of the U.S., Europe, Canada and Mexico with family and friends. At home, his cats Claire and Mattie were beloved companions.

John is survived by his wife Vida, daughter Laurie Belcher (Blaine), grandsons Brian and Kyle Belcher (Cassie) and great-granddaughter Kallianne, siblings Carol Carter, Neil Poling (Peggy) and Dan Poling (Karen), numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at Faith Chapel; use Broadwater entrance.

Service livestream: https://boxcast.tv/view/john-poling-memorial-qlilew4bjqhogbkzmjnj

The broadcast is scheduled to begin 15 minutes before the service (at 12:45 p.m.) on Oct. 30.

Memorials are requested to Billings Walk to Emmaus, St. John’s United, or Habitat for Humanity, in lieu of flowers.