Charles Tolliver
September 17, 1939 - December 16, 2014
Obituary
Charles L. Tolliver Jr., 75, of Billings, died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, at home. Charlie was born on Sept. 17, 1939, the son of Charles and Ila Mae Tolliver Sr., in Bismarck, North Dakota. Growing up in Billings, he graduated from Billings Senior and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Math at MSU-Bozeman and later a Masters of Science in Physics from The University of Alabama. While working at Boeing in Seattle, he fell completely in love with Kathleen Kleffner. They were united in marriage Jan. 11, 1964, in Seattle. They eventually returned to Billings and raised 7 children. Charlie followed an exceptionally unique path through life and remained fiercely true to himself. In addition to raising a family, his journey through life included work as an Engineer at Boeing, Rocket scientist at NASA analyzing vibration on the Saturn-5 Booster, Aerospace Engineer in Saint Louis, Car Salesman in Billings, Mercedes Mechanic in Billings, Owner of a Tree Trimming business, Computer Programmer at the Bureau of Land Management, and Property manager for his apartments. Curious and determined, he tinkered with invention most weeks of his life, including his last. He wanted to change the world with his ideas and creativity. He considered himself very different and was intensely curious about the world around him. He struggled to work for bureaucratic bosses in large organizations, he much preferred being an independent business owner. The reason for this was his unusual ideological clarity. Even in the worst of times, his acute wit would delight. Charlie's indomitable mind and force of will was boundless, and even though his body weakened and he lost the power to walk, this man was able to remain at home through the loving care and dedication of his wife Kathy and his children. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Tolliver of Billings; his brother and sister-in-law Ken & Lorraine Tolliver of Billings; his two sons and their wives, John & Kelly Tolliver and Peter & Christy Tolliver; his daughters and sons-in-law Gabrielle Tolliver & Michael Regan, MaryAnne & Kurt Stimpfling, Monica & Darren Forsberg, Helen Tolliver & Ben Stringer, and Nikki Tolliver & Josh Kostelecky; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 at the Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings followed by Internment in Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Memories
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Ryan Connelly
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I have many memories of Charles. My family and there's grew up next to each other so there are alot. My condolences to the Tolliver family. He will be missed dearly.The Connelly family.
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Pat and Ellie Connelly
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Charlie was our dear friend and neighbor for many years. He almost always had a smile on his face and his mind was constantly revolving around some new innovative idea. He was a source of help to us as he used my bookkeeping services in lieu of spraying our trees in the summer. I remember one time he was configuring an invention for blocking certain channels from the TV so children couldn't watch those stations. His ideas were always to help make the world a better place and the world is a better place because of his presence in it. We will miss you Charlie. You Tollivers were a large part of lives when we lived in Billings and we have many pleasant memories. Those memories are the spice of our lives. We share in your loss. I know God is talking with Charlie now and Charlie is sharing his ideas with HIm. He will rest in peace. Keeping you in prayer, Pat and Ellie Connelly
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Ron Bradshaw
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Kathy, Please accept my sincere condolances at your loss of Charles. I know what grief and sorrow you are going thru. You were such a wonderful friend when Jackie passed nine years ago and I did appreciate. May God Bless you and give you comfort at this time. Ron Bradshaw
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Dick Tolliver
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I'm deeply saddened by Charlie's passing. I can't tell you how many times, when in close proximity to Billings, I thought about but never did stop in to visit. The last time I saw him he was living in Kent, Washington. My condolences to his wife Kathy and his brother Ken and all of the family. Dick (Richard Jr) Tolliver
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Lea Ann Tolliver Nuez
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Lea Ann Tolliver Nuez
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I am a first cousin of Chuck. My dad George was a brother of Chucks father. I remember meeting him long ago when he and Kathy lived in Kent, WA. My sympathies to Kathy and his children.