Kenneth Gale Noland

Kenneth Noland Obituary

Kenneth Gale Noland, 70, of Billings passed away Dec. 23, 2004, after a courageous decade-long struggle against rheumatoid arthritis. He left in the embrace of his beloved wife, surrounded by all his children and grandchildren.
Ken was born on June 5, 1934, in Elba, Colo., to Russell and Mabel Noland. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Ronan, Mont. Ken attended school in Ronan where he excelled in athletics and developed his lifelong love of basketball. Upon graduation, Ken enlisted in the Army where he served in Korea. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Whitefish where he was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad as a fireman. It is here he met and married the love of his life, Doris Killenbeck. Soon after their marriage the couple moved to the Killenbeck family farm northwest of Scobey. In Scobey they raised their three children, Mike, Charmaine and Roy. After the sale of the farm, Ken and Doris pursued many different business ventures, which included Paus-Strom Hardware, Daniels County OK Hardware and Noland Implement. He was named to the Advisory Board for Steiger Tractor. He was repeatedly named dealer of the year for outstanding sales. Ken was asked by Congressman Ron Marlenee to serve as his district director. Ken accepted this offer with honor. He traveled the state in this capacity for 10 years, meeting and helping countless Montana small business owners, farmers and ranchers. He so loved working with and helping people that upon the congressman's retirement, he formed Capital Consultants International, Inc. in Billings. He continued to work for and with Montanans every day until his death. Ken's only regret was not living to see the conclusion of one of his biggest undertakings - the Project. Ken and Doris led a full life with many special friends and family. They enjoyed traveling together throughout their 46 years of married life.
Ken was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. He also belonged to Scobey Masonic Lodge, Al Bedoo Shriners, Scottish Rite, Sons of Norway and a number of other civic and service organizations.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Verle and Carroll. He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; sons, Mike (Lynn) Noland and Roy (Teri) Noland of Billings; a daughter, Charmaine Noland also of Billings, and a brother, Jack Noland. Ken left behind eight grandchildren, Chris, Taira, Jeremy, Charles, Pat, Blane, Aubrey and his "special" Briney.
Memorial services will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Billings Special Olympics, Shriners Burn Fund or Atonement Lutheran Church or charity of choice. Smith Downtown Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Billings Gazette on Dec. 27, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Noland

8 Entries

Roy Noland

June 8, 2005

It has been very special to be able to read the guest book entries that have been posted for my Dad. I miss him terribly, but know it is selfish to wish him here when he suffered with such pain for so long. He was brave and upbeat in the face of such a crippling disease, and will always be an inspiration to me and many other family members and friends. Some of my best life memories are of the Elk hunting trips my brother and I took with Dad. Lots of laughs, love and food! Dad also loved Christmas, both the giving and the recieving. Life is good because Dad taught us that it is, but it will always be emptier without his laugh. Roy Noland, youngest son.

Taira Elizabeth Noland

June 7, 2005

Thank you all for your love and support. My grandfather was a proud Irish man and we all miss him so much. He loved traveling around the state and visiting all of his friends. I am so lucky to have grown up seeing first hand how much he loved and adored my grandmother. What an example he set! Papa, I love you and miss you, but I know your in a better place. Thank you for raising my dad to be the man he is, you two are so much alike!

Dan DuBray

December 28, 2004

My memory of Ken Noland is of a dedicated public servant, a tough negotiator, a loyal friend, an unfailing optimist and a kind neighbor.

In our days working together in the Ron Marlenee office, Ken would never fail to give of himself to help others. Ron, Jon Doggett, Cy Jamison and others have spoken so eloquently about Ken's dedication -- both in the Gazette and through this guest book -- but I will always remember Ken as a kind and trusted friend.

Ken would jump from his chair whenever my two young daughters would accompany me to the Marlenee office in Billings. He would fawn over them and escort them around the corner to the candy store on 1st Avenue North. The three of them walking together, laughing, with my kids clutching the paper bags of candy Ken would buy for them, is an early, happy memory for the girls. This memory is the way we will keep him alive in our hearts.

Today, my daughters Madeline and Alexa, now 18 and 19, still vividly recall the kindness of Ken Noland. I remember a loyal and trusted friend and colleague who provided me sage and plain-spoken advice.

With my wife, Kayleen, we send our condolences to Doris and the family. We also send our warmest regards to the extended family and friends of Ken Noland -- many of whom have written here. We trusted and admired Ken Noland so very much.

Charles Noland

December 28, 2004

Doris, Charmaine, Mike & Roy;

We will miss "Uncle Ken" so much. He was a class act, he always called me "Charles". I remember many years ago, at ninepipe reservoir near Ronan, he "let" me row the rubber raft while he was bass fishing. Yes, he was a very neat guy.

I get to come home in about 6 weeks and will get to see you all while I am in your fair city.

My condolences and love,

Charlie

Jack and Donna Delp

December 27, 2004

Dear Doris, Just now (Mon. pm.) got up on the Gazette and found the sad news of Ken's passing. We enjoyed our brief but most pleasant time that we have known Ken. I can see him yet being so thankfull to be able to put his arm up after a certain medicine had enabled that feat. And giving the rest of us hope that things could get better for all arthritic patients. At least now he won't be in the pain he has suffered for so long.Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Lovingly, Jack and Donna

Becky Noland Keith

December 27, 2004

My condolences to Doris, Roy, Mike, Charmaine, and all Ken's grandkids. Uncle Ken was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Dave, Becky, Dalton, & Lorelei Keith

Cy Jamison

December 27, 2004

Doris and family, Sorry to hear about the passing of Ken. I spent many hours working with him when we both worked for Ron. He was the only one that could keep Ron on the track sometimes. I think the comments made by Ron in the paper were right on point. I have went through many times the passing of loved ones in my family and there is nothing that one can say that eases the pain, but Doris you were always the glue that held the family together and I know you will do the same here. My thoughts are with you. Cy

Jon Doggett

December 27, 2004

Ken Noland will long be remembered as a man who cared deeply and worked mightily for Montana’s farmers and ranchers. His dedication was inspiring. If you were a producer in trouble, Ken was the best friend you could have – and Ken had hundreds of friends just from the outstanding work he did on farm credit issues. I had the privilege to work with Ken in the late 80’s and I remember once calling him stubborn and hardheaded. He took it as high praise. He taught this Montana ranch kid so much about the real meaning of public service. No one could ever say that Ken didn’t care or didn’t give his all. He was tough but always showed his goodness and you always knew that he was filled with kindness and a desire to be of service. There are few people who did as much for the people of Montana and asked for less than Ken Noland.

I learned much from Ken and I valued his work, his tenacity and his friendship. Montana lost a good man at his death, but his life’s work will last for generations.

Jon Doggett

Washington, DC

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