E.O. "Gene" Boyle Sr., 90, passed away Dec. 30, 2004, at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell.

Gene was born Nov. 26, 1914, in Butte. His parents were Eugene and Elizabeth Boyle. He attended Hawthorne Grade School and graduated from Butte High School in 1931.

After graduating he lived with the Bill Buckley family due to the early deaths of both of his parents. He worked during the day and attended Butte Business College at night. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps for two years.

In 1936, he was employed by the Montana Power Company. In 1939, he was transferred to Cut Bank where he was an accountant for the Glacier Production Refinery.

Gene married Susan O'Loughlin on June 9, 1941, at St. Margaret's Church in Cut Bank. They had two sons, Gene Jr. "Butch" and Thomas Patrick.

He opened his own accounting agency in 1948, with the help of some trusted friends. He retired in 1992, at the ripe age of 78.

Gene had three special loves -- his faith, his family, and the city of Cut Bank. He was a very active member of St. Margaret's, serving as an usher,

reader, and Eucharistic minister. He was active in the remodeling of the church and supported St. Margaret's school before it closed.

Gene was an active member of the city of Cut Bank. Among his official positions held were: 1947-49, city councilman; 1953-1987, city treasurer; 1975-1987, city clerk. Because of these formal positions, Aug. 28, 1987, was proclaimed "Gene Boyle Day" by the mayor.

Other contributions to Cut Bank were serving as the secretary of the bowling association for 15 years and umpiring baseball and softball for over 20 years. Gene was a charter member of the Elks, serving as treasurer from 1940-1977. He served as secretary of the cemetery board from 1955-1999, and he also served as director of the Chamber of Commerce and library board. He was the secretary of the three different golf courses which Cut Bank has had.

Probably because of his lack of family growing up, family was especially important to Gene. He was proud of his entire family -- wife, sons, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his wife, Susan; his sons, Gene "Butch" and wife Barbara of Kalispell and Tom and wife Sheila of Vancouver, Wash.; five grandchildren and spouses, Mary Jane Holt and husband Robert of Lynden, Wash.; Brenda Boone and husband Keith of Fallon, Nev.; Bethann Kopf and husband John of Vancouver; Sean Boyle and his wife Echo of Vancouver; and Deanna McElwee and husband Chris of Polson; six great-grandchildren, Tanner Boone, Emily Holt, Alix Kopf, Jackson Holt, Kaitlin Boyle, Thomas Boyle; and one more great-grandchild expected in March.

The vigil service for Gene will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, with the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, both held at St. Margaret's.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to your favorite charity in the name of E.O. Boyle.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary.