Roger Lane Doney, 87
Roger Lane Doney, Oct. 28, 1936-May 13,2024.
A life well lived, Roger Doney, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Whitefish Lake, May 13, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helene, of nearly 60 years (2022) and his daughter, Carolyn Doney Smith (2010).
He is survived by his children, Lauryn (Andrew) Rice of San Diego, California; Michael (Jennifer) Doney of Seattle, Washington; John Doney of Helena; son-in-law, Barry Smith of Portland, Oregon; sister, Arlene Penhallegon of Cornville, Arizona; and sister-in-law, Janny Loy Holmes of Phoenix, Arizona. He was the proud grandfather "Papa" of 10 grandchildren, Maxl, Gage and Hutton Smith (Carolyn), Conner and Angus Doney (John), Jack, Paul and Ava Doney (Michael) and Evan and Addison Rice (Lauryn).
Born and raised in Chinook, Roger joined the Navy serving as a corpsman before attending the University of Montana in Missoula where he met and married Helene in 1962. They moved to Great Falls after graduation to start their life and family. Roger owned and operated Dundas Office Supply and contributed significantly to the Great Falls community in many ways including the redevelopment of the Liberty Center. In 1984, Roger and Helene retired to Whitefish and in 1994 purchased a winter home in Arizona.
He was a Navy veteran, respected self-made businessman, beloved father and grandfather, avid Grizzly alum, and dear friend and father figure to many. Fun memories of Roger include skiing Big Mountain, camping trips into the Bob Marshall, horse shows, golfing, summers at the lake, annual road trips to see kids, fixer and builder of anything, master barbecuer, and storyteller.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Roger, Helene and their daughter Carolyn to the Whitefish Community Foundation. The family is planning a celebration of life later this year. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.