Edward Michael Boland

Edward “Ed” Michael Boland, 82, of Great Falls, fought a courageous battle with multiple myeloma and was reunited with his heavenly family on December 26, 2014. A vigil service will be held Sunday January 4, 2015 at 7:00 pm at St. Ann’s Cathedral. Funeral liturgy will be held Monday January 5, 2015 at 12:00 pm at St. Ann’s Cathedral with burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral Home is arrangements. The youngest of Irish immigrants, Bridget and Patrick Boland, Ed was born on December 22, 1932 and raised in Great Falls. He attended school at the Ursuline Academy, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Paris Gibson Junior High, and Great Falls High School. He worked many jobs during his youth: cleaning spittoons at the Mint Bar and other downtown businesses, selling programs at the horse races, delivering mail for the USPS, and worked at the Anaconda Company. He attended the University of Montana before joining the US Navy in 1953. He was stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines as a Seabee. Upon his return to Great Falls, he worked for the City of Great Falls and Lewis Construction Company before starting his own utility construction company. In the mid 1980’s he was joined by his sons to expand the construction and drilling business. More recently, a grandson joined the business also. He had many contracts throughout the years that encompassed the width and span of Montana. He installed water and sewer lines for many municipalities and provided boring under roadways and railroads. He retired only a year ago. He had more than a little luck in betting horses. He loved a long shot and had an uncanny ability to find a “sleeper.” He co-owned Mr. Leaderman who won races in Great Falls and other Montana tracks. He was a loyal Red Sox and Celtics fan. Notre Dame and the New England Patriots were his favorite football teams. He was a student and teacher of forgiveness. One of his favorite prayers was the Serenity Prayer. He accepted and loved everyone unconditionally as taught by Jesus. A champion for all-the poor, the hungry, the angry, the lonely, the ill, and any that needed his love. He had a special place in his heart of gold for children. He was generous in spirit and forgiveness was his staff. He was a friend to many and loved by even more. He treasured his Irish heritage and enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends. He was a full member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013. Ed married Dixie Williams in 1954, together they had five children: daughters, Mary (Steve) Gettel of Great Falls and Iowa and Jacquie Boland (Tim) Harpster of Great Falls; sons Barry (Ann) Boland of Missoula, Chris (Di) Boland of Cascade, and Paul (Young) Boland of Great Falls, and; 15 grandchildren, Justin, Caimin, Camilee, and Edward Boland of Great Falls, Jessica Harpster (Levi) Coughlin of Kalispell, Justin Harpster of Billings, Christopher, Kailee, Kellee, and Cassidee Boland of Cascade, Erin (Stacy) Bucher and Chelsea Gettel of Great Falls, Alyssa Boland of Missoula, Shea Boland of Texas, and Callie Boland of Arizona; two great-grandchildren Liam and Ellisyn of Great Falls; sister-in-law Donna Boland; and 44 nieces and nephews. Ed’s role as uncle was a cherished one as he loved each and every one of his family members. He also supports three children who live in the Philippines through the Unbound Program. Dixie and Ed celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together on September 25, 2014.