Kenneth Dow

Ken passed away Friday, August 31, 2012 at St. Vincent's Hospital to go home to be with Jesus; he was surrounded by his family. He died of respiratory complications following heart surgery. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. He was a great husband, father, grandfather “umpa”, brother and friend. Ken was born in Great Falls, MT on May 23, 1958 to Kenneth and Josephine Dow. He moved with his family to Helena, MT when he was in the 8th grade. He attended and graduated from Helena Capital High School in 1977. At Capital he excelled in football, wrestling, and track. He met the love of his life, Jolene at Capital High and they were married on July 7, 1979 in Helena. They celebrated their 33rd anniversary together this past summer on the west coast near Newport, OR. Ken loved life and his family so much. In 1983 Ken and Jolene were blessed with twin sons, Keith & Kenny who were born in Helena. In 1986, Ken and Jolene were blessed with their beautiful daughter Cassi who was born in Helena. Upon Cassi's arrival, Ken commented sarcastically, “Oh, no not another red-head!” Ken loved his children with his whole heart and soul. He supported them in everything they wanted to do. He was their coach, best friend and number 1 fan along with Jolene. He coached them in everything from little league baseball and softball to coaching high school football and track for the Billings Central Rams. Ken could be heard on the field using such famous sayings as, “Put some dirt on it,” and “Dat burn-it.” He was very proud of his kids and his nieces and nephews. He traveled all over to watch them in all of their activities. He wanted his kids to know how very proud he was of them. On March, 29 2010 his grandson, Nolan Rowdy Dow was born. He spent many hours playing with Nolan. We think Nolan has “Umpa's” quick wit as they loved teasing each other and playing their game of “mine,” and funny, “not funny.” Ken worked for the Montana Power Company and then PP&L Montana for 35 years. Recently over the past several years, he was a technical trainer for PP&L Montana and traveled around Montana teaching apprentices. Ken touched many lives with his love, his quick wit, and his great teaching and coaching. Ken enjoyed watching football games, theatre, playing golf, traveling and spending lots and lots of time with his family. Ken is survived by his wife, Jolene of Billings; son Kenny of Portland, son Keith and wife Jenny of Billings; daughter Cassi and husband Tony of Billings; grandson Nolan of Billings; sisters Kathy (Jeff) Bartsch, Suzanne (George) Baker, Nancy Dow, Becky (Jay) Goley; sister-in-law Susan Dow; brother Joe (Lisa)Dow; parents-in-law Bob and Patsy Petrino; sisters-in-law Kellie (Mark) Samson, Rosie Ellendson; brothers-in-law Bobby (Becky) Petrino, Paul (Maya) Petrino and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Dow. Service: Vigil services will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church with a celebration of Ken's life to be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday at St. Pius. Because Ken always supported his kids' endeavors, Memorials can be sent to Young Life of Billings (2590 Holman Ave Ste B2 Billings, MT) and/or Portland State Cheer (527 SW Hall Street, 415 Portland, OR 97201).