Eugene Richard Doherty, 81, "went to be with the Lord" on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Gene was born Dec. 12, 1926, in Eureka to Mary Kinshella and Leonard Eugene Doherty. He started his schooling in Lupfer, then moved with the family to Kalispell where he continued his education.

Gene enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served from 1946 to 1949.

He attended Montana State University, where he graduated in 1954. After graduation, he went to work for the Anaconda Company in Great Falls in the engineering department. He received his master's degree in applied statistics from Utah State University, then went to work for the Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Gene met and married Lorraine Deon of Mullan, Idaho. They had a blessed union for 55 years.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles.

He is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Lorraine; his son, Jim, of California; his daughter, Kathy, of Colorado; a sister, Mary Borden, of Colorado; a granddaughter, Gina, of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was a devout Christian who loved his Christian family. He enjoyed young people and made many close friends. He enjoyed rock hounding as a hobby and hiking the Montana mountains. He will be missed by his family and friends, but "we will be sharing Heaven with him when we go to be with our Savior."

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Brendan House in Kalispell. His ashes will be interred at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with military honors being conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to leave your condolences and personal messages at www.buffalohillfh.com.