Andrew Richard Dooling, 59, known lovingly as Andy, passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a steadfast brother, a loving son and a man who never met a stranger – he was a friend to all.
Andy was born in New Britain, CT – but was raised on a ranch in Dillon, Montana, where his strong work ethic and love of family took root. He was active in his parents, Ann and Thomas Dooling’s, Cashmere Goat Project, serving as the lead shearer. Those ranch years shaped not only his grit and determination, but also his boundless energy and sense of humor. His love for sports started in high school when he became an all-conference defensive player at Beaverhead High School. He also loved his Patriots and watched NFL regularly. He was a cowboy through and through, sometimes getting into fights with his brother Joe if he had scheduled branding day during a time Andy wasn’t available. His lifelong buddy Troy and he would run the calf table, just the two of them. In 1993, soon after the birth of his second daughter, he started his own excavation business – something he took a lot of pride in.
Shortly after high school, Andy met and married Maggie Hopewell and together they had 3 girls: Christina, Kathleen (Kady), and Ann Drew Dooling. Soon after separating, Andy met his wife Joyce Vanover, whom he loved more than anything. Joyce was a package deal and Andy happily became a stepfather to Amber Buscher, making him a father to 4 beautiful girls. Joyce and Andy lived a life full of love, laughter, and ultimately resilience. She was his rock through everything and supported him through every adversity he faced in his later life. Nothing made him prouder than watching his daughters grow, succeed, and create their own paths in the world. He was a very proud Papa to Kynleigh Carlson and Noah Souza. He loved his grandchildren so much.
Andy was one of ten children, and while each relationship was unique, he shared an especially strong bond with his three brothers; Steven, his Irish twin, Tom, his motorcycle buddy, and Joe, his baby brother. One of Andy’s favorite things to do was to go out to his brother Joe’s ranch – either for branding or one of Joe’s last-minute ideas that involved his using the excavator.
You would hear Andy before you saw him with his extraverted personality, charismatic wit and humor, and of course, you can’t forget, that infectious laugh that filled every inch of the room. He will be remembered for his strong sense of loyalty, his welcoming demeanor, his generosity, and his Johnny Knoxville sense of humor *cue the laugh*. Andy’s family and friends will carry forward his legacy of strength, humor, and compassion, ensuring that his spirit lives on in every gathering, every story, and every shared laugh.
He is survived by his Mother – Ann Dooling, his Wife – Joyce Vanover, his Daughters – Amber, Kady, and Drew, his Grandchildren – Kynleigh and Noah, his Brothers – Steven, Thomas, and Joe Dooling and their sons, his Sisters – Daniella, Amy, Charlotte, Jennifer, Eleanor, Margaret, along with their loving partners and families, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Christina and his Father Thomas Dooling.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral, followed by a celebration of life at his favorite bar, The Valley Hub, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Andy’s life and to honor the man who gave so much of himself to those he loved.
Sara Medley says
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Cresswell says
Ann, I am thinking of you and sending lots of love your way.
Pat inman says
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS JOYCE.I REMEMBER WHEN I LOST INGRID,…IT WAS REALLY NICE WHEN WE LIVED NEXT TO ONE OTHER……HELL I CAN HERE ANDY LAUGHING NOW…INGRID LIKED HIM TOO..PAT AND INGRID INMAN
Judy Griffith says
Ann I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you courage and strength to endure these painfully difficult days.
Jennie Ekwortzel says
Hello Ann, God be with you during this time of sorrow. You are in my prayers and heart. Love and blessings, Jennie