Charles 'Bill' Doyle, 87

Charles "Bill" Doyle, 87, was born June 7, 1937, in Conrad, to Rose Adeline and Charles "Chuck" Henry Doyle.

Bill was always a Montana kid. He grew up in the Shelby and Conrad areas of Montana with his sister, Alice, and his brother, Gene. He graduated as a Coyote from Shelby High having participated in football, basketball, and track. His senior year, he led the Coyotes to a state basketball championship. 

Bill met Nancy Jo Petesch at a Catholic Youth Organization function during their high school years and, despite being from a rival high school, they became sweethearts. They married in 1958. Their love resulted in the birth of four children, Chris, Pat, Amy, and Gene. 

He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved every aspect of being a hunter, fisherman, and a trapper. His love of the outdoors led him to a career of being a land surveyor/developer.  

Bill and his family built a cabin on Echo Lake where they spent many terrific summer days enjoying watersports and each other’s company. In later years, Nancy and Bill shared this cabin with their grandchildren and extended family.

Bill built a prominent Land Surveying business which served all the Flathead valley and sometimes beyond. As a businessman, he mentored many young surveyors who ultimately went on to achieve their own success in the same business. He proudly served in the Montana National Guard. He also served the community in various civic clubs including the Lions International, the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and was elected in 1975 as the Flathead County Surveyor.

After retirement, Bill and Nancy became snowbirds. Their destinations ranged from California to Arizona. They thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and hosted many old ones.

His friendly but competitive nature led him to success in all aspects of his life — in business, in sports, even how he raised his kids. Everyone who knew him would tell you that any visit to Bill’s house would result in the challenge to an arm-wrestling contest. 

Bill’s favorite pastime was simply to be with his family.

Bill went peacefully to be with the Lord on Aug. 21, 2024, in Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, and their son, Chris.

He is survived by his sister, Alice; brother, Gene; sons, Pat and Gene; daughter, Amy; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A private burial was held Aug. 26, at the Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell. 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Oct. 19, 2024. Details will be provided to friends and family.