Edward Douglas Lowney moved into the arms of his eternal Father on November 13, 2010.
Doug Lowney was the proud father of Anne Marie, Adam, and Matt. He married Marie Moran in 1977. Their marriage ended in 2002. His love extended to the spouses of his children: Bill Rainey, Chamber Dorheim, and Sierra Lowney and his 10 grandchildren: E.J., Elly, Emma, Grace, Gabe, Kieran, and Braylon; as well as Chelsea, William and Kaitlyn.
Doug was born in Butte on January 19, 1955, to Mary (Thompson) and Ed Lowney. He had one older sibling, Aila (the late Jack) Camp, and six younger siblings: Shelly (Jim) Fortune (children Nick and Roshell), Barbara Lowney, Patty (Dave) Marne (children Kirsten and David), Audrea (the late Richard) Wagner (children Heather, Rick and Brandon), and Ed (Shawn) Lowney (children Darby and Parker).
Doug lived his life keenly aware of God’s creative power, generosity, mercy and saving grace. Early in his life his family ingrained the value of community service.
As a youth, he was active in the serving ministry and Boy Scouts—rising to Life Scout and attending the national leadership training camp in New Mexico at age 14. Doug considered himself fortunate to be just 2 swimming badges away from Eagle Scout and was very involved in leadership, serving as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
Doug graduated from Butte High School in 1973 and Carroll College in 1977.
Adulthood found Doug active in church ministry—cantoring, lectoring, serving as Eucharistic minister, and more. Doug was particularly proud of the Parish Albums he helped develop to foster church community. He also was very gratified by and through his work in prison ministry, Cursillo/Discovery weekends, Montanans for Justice, and others.
Doug served his community through membership and leadership in Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce, Cancer Society, 40 Days for life, and more.
Doug started work early, beginning with his grandfather and then moving on to various other jobs through the years—yard cleaning, motel and restaurant work, teacher’s aide and school bus driver, and various salesman positions. In 1981, Doug proudly began serving his clients as an agent with New York Life and other insurers and investment companies. Many families and businesses have and will benefit from the work Doug accomplished. Doug earned the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations, among others, in his continued effort to stay knowledgeable about the business. He was well known across the state as an educator in the insurance industry. Doug also served the industry through his involvement with the Association of Insurance and Financial Service Advisors including his year as State President.
Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents, who were also his friends, Ed and Rose Lowney and Aila Thompson. Grandfather Peter Thompson died before Doug was born. He was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Jack Camp and Rick Wagner.
Doug is survived by his parents, children and grandchildren, siblings and their families, former wife and mother of his children, Marie Moran, and too many wonderful and generous friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and clients to name. He never met anyone unworthy of his love and respect.
Thank you to Dr. Tom Wiener and the staff of the Cancer Center for the wonderful care given to Doug.
Memorials may be to the charity of choice as so many great organizations can use the resources. If you like, keep in mind the Lions’ Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, St. Helena Cathedral, the Good Samaritan Store, and the Cancer Center.
A vigil service with a rosary will be held for Doug on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at Anderson-Stevenson-Wilke funeral home 650 Logan St. Funeral services are scheduled for noon on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at St. Helena’s Cathedral, with burial at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena at 3:00 p.m.
Art & Isabelle Kalarchik says
Doug was one of my favorite people from the time he was a very little boy playing marbles with my children. I am broken hearted at your passing. Through out my life I have found memories of you. I did not know that you were so sick. You are a very special person. My heart goes out to your children and your Mother and Father and your family at time. I will organize a Mass in your name. I know the Lord is well pleased in you and your journey through life on this earth. Isabelle and Art Kalarchik
Christine Kalarchik Nel says
Doug’s Family, As I reflect back to my childhood. I remember Doug as an older brother , who refereed, guided, supported, scolded, and protected his younger sisters as well as me and my sisters as we played in your back yard. Life’s journey is so short. Although we have not seen each other since our youth I know from other’s messages. Doug will be greatly missed. May the Lord Bless and keep your family under his watchful eye during this difficult time. It is my testimony that our elder Brother Jesus Christ lives and he has given his life so that we may live again in our Heavenly Fathers presence. I also know that you will meet your brother again for he has lived his life as the Lord expected him. We give thanks for having known you, as our elder brother Doug. My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May your example of your love for the Savior permeate the very souls of your family and carry them on in their journey until you meet again.
Danni McCarthy says
Anne and to the rest of Doug’s family: You are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. While this is a difficult time, it is good to know that Doug is in a better place with the Lord. I love you Anne.
Danni
Frank Kromkowski says
My deepest sympathy to all of Doug’s family — he was such a loving person. I’ve been blesssed to know him since the early 70s at Carroll College. May all of you find the blessing of strength and hope to help you during this difficult time.
~ Frank Kromkowski
Frank W. Rives says
My condolences of the passing of DOug. I was in Toastmasters with Doug for many years. I enjoyed his speeches and insights. He was a mentor as well as a great supporter of my speech-making. He was also my insurance agent. He was my friend. I miss him.
Helen Richter says
I was sorry to learn that Doug passed away. He was a great person and provided excellant and professional services to his clients. He will be missed.
God Bless your family at this difficult time.
Helen Richterw
Jennifer Murray says
Anne and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the lost of your dad. He was truely a amazing guy. He is now is a much better place. Please let me know if I can do anything to help.
Jessica Stonehouse says
signing, jessica stonehouse. thank you for being a father.
JoAnne Sherwood says
I have known Doug since college days on the speech team. We were team mates and duo partners. I have many fond memories of your father throughout the years. A wonderful friend, a loving father, and a disciple of God. We all mourn his passing.
John Copenhaver says
Anne,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Father, he must have been a wonderful person. I am sure he was extremely proud of you as his daughter. Just know that you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Regards, John Copenhaver
Kim McDowell says
I hope this reaches a loved one of Doug’s. Doug was our insurance agent since 1984. He called every year to “touch bases” with us. We always felt he treated us right since we knew nothing about insurance. I received a notice from NY Life that we would be having a new agent. I will very much miss Doug and his yearly phone calls and visits in person. Kim
Mary O'Keefe says
I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I went to college with Doug and he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. He had a great laugh and was a good friend. We were fortunate to have had him in our lives!
Mike Kalarchik says
I was saddened to here of Doug’s untimely death, I was a childhood friend of Doug’s. Doug and I were very close in age and I believe we were the closest of friends when we lived on Timber Butte, we spent many summer days playing together at my home or Doug’s, or playing on Timber Butte, until we both started high school, I called Doug my best friend. I will remember Doug as a genuinely kind person who to my knowledge never said a mean word or did a cruel deed to any one or any thing. Doug was kind enough to be a god father to my daughter Melissa. Although Doug and I have drifted apart as we grew older I thought of Doug often. The world will be a less happy place without Doug. I will miss him, My Condolences to his dad and mom, brother and sisters, and to all his children.
Patrick Dewing says
I am sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I attended Carroll with Doug and found him to be witty, kind, and full of life. I always thought he would enter the priesthood. My condolensces to Marie and his children. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Patrick Dewing
Rebecca, John and Lucas Babb says
Dear Anne and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know how close you two were as well as how close he was with the kids. We pray that your memories will keep you smiling during this difficult time. I only met your dad while I was visiting for Kat and Ben’s wedding, but he was so welcoming and warm hearted. He got such joy in trying to trick me into using my Boston accent and if I recall correctly – I believe he did catch me once or twice. He was a good man who will be watching over all of you from heaven and when you need him he will let you know he’s there. With all our love and sympathy,
The Babb Family
Rick Ahmann says
Dear Lowney Family,
I want you all to know how very much I continue to treasure Doug in my life. He has been a constant source of inspiration as I try to live out the Gospel in my own life. Never shy about his faith, Doug always called me to go deeper than I ever thought possible. He is a true man of character.
There is no difference in the way Doug lived out his life mission from the days prior to his knowing he was sick to the days prior to the end of his life here. He truly “walked the walk”.
The last time I heard him proclaim the Word at a Saturday Mass was 3 weeks ago. He read Phillipians 1:18-26. It was a very moving experience for Doug and for me, as a part of that reading says, “Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.”
Eternal rest grant unto Doug, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.
Rick Ahmann
SHERRI STAATS says
Doug,
You were loved by many at the Cathderal and throughout the commmunity of Helena-Not to mention Montana. You touched many lives and did good for so many. John and I were always inspired by you when you did the readings at daily mass. We will miss you and have fond memories of you always. We know you are watching us. Your pain is over. May the peace and love of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ go with you and throughout eternity.
Terri Thompson says
Sam’s Daughter
Wes and Callie Ross says
Doug helped protect me since the day I was born with life Insurance, honesty and a kind heart and friendly face. It was a no brainer when I got married who would be protecting my new wife as well. Doug was a true man and we are saddened to hear of his passing. But when good people pass it always help me to realize that they are in a better place called Heaven and with our Lord Jesus Christ. Doug you will be missed and we look forward to seeing you again down the road in Heaven. Your friends, clients and fellow Christians.
Wes and Callie Ross
Barbie says
Hey Brother Doug it is Now 5yrs ago I said Good Bye but I want U to know 5yrs later I am told I have Cancer! Yes the Cancer that made U not well and passed away! U were 55yrs old. I am 57 Feb 8, 2016 Dr. Eagan says I have CANCER! But God has other plans for me and he wants me to Fight this Ugly Cancer. Oh and Dad passed away just so U know. Love U Big Bro. Little Sis Barbie