Obituary - Daniel Joseph Conway

Daniel Joseph Conway was born on Feb. 6. 1939, in Livingston, Montana, to Phillip Earl Conway and Lucie M. (Theo) Crevier. He died April 8, 2018, at the Community Medical Center Hilda Room surrounded by his family.

As a young man, he helped on the family ranch on the Ninth Street Island and the five-acre tracts and loved to race his Harley. Dan was an Eagle Scout, which instilled an early desire to serve. He graduated from Park County High School in 1957 and attended Eastern Montana College until 1959. Dan worked at Connelley's Creamery, assembled farm implements and various other jobs until September 1961, when he was hired by the Northern Pacific Railway as a machinist apprentice. During this time he also served in the National Guard until he was given an honorable discharge in 1965 as a sergeant first class in the 163rd Armored Cavalry.

Dec. 2, 1961, Dan married Donna Marie Webber; they have three children, Johnna Lee, Mark Phillip and Danelle Mary. As Dan was promoted the family moved with the railroad to Helena, Greybull, Glendive, Billings and Havre. In 2001, after 40 years of service, he retired from BNSF as the shop superintendent in Havre and they relocated to Missoula to be closer to family.

Dan and Donna joined the Pope John XXIII, Blessed Trinity parish where Dan served on various committees. He also began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He was proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 61 years serving twice as Grand Knight; he was a 4th degree Knight.

Dan loved following his grandchildren's sports and music activities and bragging about their academic achievements. Many laughs and life lessons were had on family vacations throughout the years. In June of 2017 he finally experienced his dream vacation to his ancestral homeland of Ireland. There he finally received the "gift of gab" after kissing the blarney stone. Summers were spent camping at Placid Lake enjoying nature and competing in family pinochle and cowboy golf tournaments.

Dan has joined his parents, five older siblings and his best friend, Mitch, in heaven. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years and children, Johnna (Mark) Eisenmann of Missoula, Mark (Esther) Conway of Hampshire IL, Danelle (Kent McKnight) Conway of Gresham, OR; nine grandchildren, Jessica Brunk, Brandi Brunk, Rachel (Jim) Steyee, Meghan (Tony) Schieno, Cody Brunk, Kyla Conway, Jeremy Eisenmann, Kari Conway, Katie Conway and one very special great-granddaughter Olivia Grace Steyee. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and sister-in-law Audrey Parenteau.

Thank you to all our dear friends and family who offered prayers, support and stories during his brief battle with cancer. Also thank you to doctors Stern, Frederico, Archie and Charman and the nurses and staff at CMC for their compassion and care.

A vigil will be held Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. and a funeral mass Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m,. both at Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish in Missoula.