Douglas Boylan

Douglas Boylan passed away Wednesday, December 20th, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a twenty year long battle with cancer. Doug was born in Bozeman and raised by his parents, William "Boyd" Boylan and Norma Mae Nuber. He attended Hawthorne, Whittier, Emerson, and Wilson schools and graduated from Bozeman High School in 1964, where he was a three time Divisional Champion wrestler and took 2nd place at State as a senior. He went on to continue his education at Montana State University, where he was a member of the ROTC program and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1969. He met his wife, Karen Popelka, during these years, and they married in Elko, Nevada, on September 10, 1968. Together they welcomed three children, Pauline, Paulette, and Shane.     

Doug was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps after earning his degree at MSU. He and Karen moved around the country as Doug received different station orders; first completing his primary training at Quantico, in Virginia, then Camp Lejeune, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside, California. He served in Vietnam, where he was an Intelligence/Briefing Officer, and his Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) was tanks. He reached the rank of Captain before retiring and coming home to Montana. When he returned stateside, Doug joined Karen in Red Lodge, Montana. It was here, they lived and worked, raising Black Angus cattle, starting the K2 Angus Ranch. After 14 years in Red Lodge, Doug moved his family back to Bozeman in 1986. A lifelong rancher, he continued to raise cattle and crops on Gant Road, supporting agriculture in the valley until his passing. 

Doug was a family man as well as a hard working rancher. He spent his summer weekends barbecuing in the backyard or at grandkids' soccer games, wrestling tournaments, track meets, and dance recitals. He loved Montana and everything it had to offer. He was an avid hunter and spent many hours on horseback and in hunting camps. He loved western movies, "collecting" John Deere tractors, Bobcat football, and the NFR. As a proud Marine, he had an affinity for military history and was well read on the subject. His sayings and humor kept all who knew him in good spirits. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Norma and Boyd Boylan; and his older sister, Sandra Hart. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Karen Lynn Boylan; his three children, Pauline Boylan-Campbell, Paulette McLane (Derry), Shane Boylan (Olivia); brother, Mike Boylan (Jane); brother in law, Lee Hart; grandchildren, Chase Nallick (Benjamin), Chance McLane, Sydnee McLane, Casey Campbell, Kailey Campbell, Mylie Campbell; many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces; as well as many dear friends.
Private family services have already taken place. A celebration of life will be held in Bozeman this spring and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Warriors on Quiet Waters, the Bozeman Cancer Support Community Center, Marine Corps League Detachment 1050, or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Semper Fidelis