|
Leslie Kenneth Dolezal 1950-2008
|
|||
| Remembrances
Les Dolezal was the epitome of a Montanan and a man. I remember him fondly from the many canoe trips he guided us on at the University of Great Falls. He was deeply respected and enormously well liked by the youth and students who came into contact with him during those trips. He really gave his all to make sure that the students involved not only had a nice day on the river but also that they learned something as well. I cannot believe he is gone. Debbie, know that you and the family are in my prayers and that we will remember Les at our daily Mass here at Theological College. God speed Les, you will be missed. Jeff Core Spokane, WA/Washington, DC
The Bureau of Land Management, Fort Benton River Management Station would like to express our condolences and provide a remembrance of Les. Les was permitted by the BLM to provide tours on the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River. My instinct is this was more than a job for Les, it was his passion. He loved the river and he loved taking people down the river. I remember when he first acquired a permit from us, he told me that it was his life long dream to be a river outfitter. Les introduced hundreds of people to this beautiful river, helped them experience it and helped them to appreciate what an incredible place it is. Our thanks go out to Les for sharing this great resource with the American public. Les and his family are in our prayers and thoughts. Sincerely, Wade Brown River Manager Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River
Debbie Dolezal. My heart an thoughts are with you. I am sorry to hear the loss of Les. As you move forward into tomorrow, I wish you and your family the best. From Allen Bimler.
|
Sadly, on the evening of April 1, 2008, Leslie Kenneth Dolezal, 57, of Billings, made the decision to take his own life. Les began his life in Austin, Minnesota but was a true Montanan, having lived in Montana since he was an infant. Les was born on August 28, 1950, the son of Faye (Raihl) and Kenneth Dolezal. He grew up in Helena, graduating from Helena High School in 1968. He served in the US Army as a preventive medicine specialist. He graduated from Eastern Montana College with a degree in business. On August 12, 1978, he married Debbie Pellock. The guy from Montana and the girl from Jersey met in a department store back east. A lifelong outdoorsman, at the time of his death he was owner of Canoe Montana as well as Down Home Home Inspection and Leading Educational Services. He had previously worked for RBC Dain Rauscher and The Montana Farmer-Stockman Magazine. He believed in serving his clients honestly and with respect. His interactions with his clients were such that many former clients took the time to send him notes of appreciation. In his lifetime, Les served on various non-profit boards, including Special Transportation, Growth Thru Art, and the Montana Board of Outfitters, and he was certified as an American Red Cross instructor. He put his outdoor skills to good use as a member of the Beartooth Ski Patrol , where he formed many lasting friendships. He was also was a member of Toastmasters and Billings Downtown and West End Rotary. Les was so looking forward to the scheduled canoe trips on the Missouri this summer. He was also working towards certification as an energy auditor. Les was a man who took on any task with a 110% effort, whether it was backpacking or cleaning out the basement. He loved the outdoors, and it was fitting that toward the end of his life, his summer job was floating the Missouri. He once told his daughter Darci, “Don’t fear the river, respect the river.” That was Les, in many ways. He did not so much fear, but respect, the challenges that life presented. Les was a kind, thoughtful man who dearly loved his family and friends. He was well known for his disappearing act, whether during a hike or a social gathering. He loved to walk, to hike, to backpack into the wilderness, to ski, to be outdoors. His second home was wandering in the South Hills. He was at ease surrounded by the Montana landscape or floating on her rivers. His friends have said that Les was the best hiker anyone ever knew. He once remarked that it was a blessing to go for a walk in a good place, especially the mountains. Les’s favorite river was the one he was on, and he liked it even more when he was with friends. Les’s survivors include his wife, Debbie; daughter, Lindsay, of Centerport, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Darci and Corey Morris and bonus grandchildren, Garrett and Faith, of Federal Way, WA; father, Ken, of Missoula; sister, Lynne Hadley, of Helena; sister and brother-in-law, LeAnn and Dean Ladany, of Parker, CO; former sister-in-law, Nonie Goettel and her husband Timm, of Helena; nephews, Jim Hadley and wife Shannon, Jake Dolezal and wife Kelsi, Matt Dolezal and fiancée Andrea, and Joshua Ladany; and nieces, Julie Hadley, Rachel Ladany, Nicki Goettel, and Kody Goettel. He is also survived by a great-nephew and two great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother and his brother, Lyle. Les left us, on an early spring night, overlooking an arroyo, under the stars of a Montana sky. May he find peace. He will be missed by many. The family requests that lieu of flowers, Les be remembered by contributions to Help for Homeless Pets, Yellowstone River Parks Association, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Family will be receiving guests for visitation on Sunday, April 6th, from 1-3 PM, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Cremation will follow. A celebration of his life to be held 1pm, Saturday, April 26th at First Presbyterian Church, 13th & Poly.
|
||
|
I had always hoped to return to the great State of Montana
and visit you. I just never anticipated the circumstances. No one could
have. Les was a remarkable and memorable man. My thoughts and prayers are
with you and the girls. I'll be there on the 26th.
-Mike Murray
I remember meeting Les through Debbie in the early 70s and the great
experiences hiking, rafting and exploring the Beartooths, Spanish Peaks and
Glacier Park. Les was a truly great friend, he talked me through some my own
personal downturns in life. I only wish I could have visited more and helped
him through his rough times. Thoughts of him always include a smile. I will
miss him greatly. Steve Lajeskie
|
|||
Please leave your name and remembrances in this public guest book so we can share your thoughts with other visitors.
Heading 3
insert content here