Dr. Michael P. Doss

PRYOR - Dr. Michael P. Doss of Pryor, passed away on April 9, 2008, at the Deaconess Hospital in Billings after a short illness. He was born on January 22, 1944, the son of Pete and Mildred Doss. While attending school in Billings, Michael earned the Eagle Scout Award. He graduated from Billings West High School, and attended Eastern Montana College earning a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Education. Later, he attended Harvard University and was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development. Michael served as a principal and as a superintendent of the school in Pryor. President Jimmy Carter appointed Dr. Doss as the Executive Director of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. After leaving this position, Dr. Doss continued to reside in Washington D.C., where he worked as a lobbyist for the betterment of the Native American people. Mike was passionate about the Crow Tribe and was credited for developing the strategy on the 107th Meridian and Section 2 of the Crow Indian Act. These two acts resulted in the Crow Tribe's ability to claim the land and portions of the Yellowstone River rights that were wrongfully taken from the Crow Tribe. Mike was also instrumental in securing the funding for the Plenty Coups High School in Pryor. In recognition of his contributions, the National Indian Education Association nominated Michael as Outstanding Indian Educator of the Year.
In 1995, Dr. Doss returned to Pryor to reside at the family ranch. He was particularly proud of his Native American heritage and dedicated his life and career to securing federal funding for numerous educational related and social service programs for his people. He was highly successful in his efforts as a result of his prolific grant writing abilities. While living in Pryor, Michael also dedicated a great deal of his efforts to rebuilding the family ranch and transforming the ranch into a profitable operation in honor of his father and brother.
Michael was an accomplished musician and music always played a central role in his life. He wrote many songs and played with multiple successful, entertaining bands over the years. He also had many cherished friends in the music business. Upon learning of his death, more than one friend responded that God must have needed a piano player in heaven, a task he was more than capable of accomplishing.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mildred Doss; a brother, William "Patrick" Doss; and a sister Peggy Doss. He is survived by his sister Penny Doss Isaak and her husband Dale Isaak (Laramie, Wyo.). He also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews including Cheyenne Troupe, Jacob (Kristy), Jerrod (Kristine) and Gentry Isaak, Autumn, Serrina, and Elizabeth Doss, and Michael Joseph, as well as his Cousin Jeri Sorenson and his Uncle Bud Stene.
Family and friends were the most important part of Mike's life. He was completely devoted to his family and friends, too numerous to count. He particularly enjoyed seeing his nieces and nephews develop into productive young adults. Michael P. Doss was loved and respected by family, friends and colleagues and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was truly a person who made a difference in all the lives that he touched.
Memorial Services are at the Smith Funeral Chapel, located at 925 South 27th Street, Billings on April 14, at 10 a.m. A private family internment will be held at the Doss Family Ranch in Pryor.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.