Morris Gale Toldness

Morris Gale Toldness

Morris Gale Toldness, 87, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes. Graveside services will be held at 2 p. m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at the Highland Cemetery with a fellowship to follow at the HRDC Community Hall. Memorials may be made in honor of Morris to the Havre Food Bank at 2229 5th Ave., Havre, MT 59501 or to St. Jude's Education Trust Fund at 440 7th Ave., Havre, MT 59501. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Morris was born on Sept. 3, 1924, in Havre, Mont., to George and Margaret (Caughren) Toldness. He served with the 594th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Havre, and on Sept. 15, 1947, he married M. Bernadette (Bun) McLain. He worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In August 1949 he was hired as a conductor for the Great Northern Railway, which later became Burlington Northern Railway. He retired on Dec. 15, 1985, with 36 years of service. Also during this time, Morris and Bun inherited McLain's Drapery shop from her father, changed the name to The Drapery Shop and worked together for 30 years making custom drapes; she sewed them and he installing them.

Morris enjoyed wood working (building his own home), camping, cribbage, traveling and especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his coffee buddies at the Oxford and PJ's. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, UTU and VFW.

He was preceded in death by his father, George; mother, Margaret; grandson, Chad Doney; and sister, Vivian Spoonemore.

Morris is survived by his wife, Bernadette (Bun), daughter, Kathy (Bob) Doney, sons, Gary (Arlyss) and Phil (Kelly) all of Havre, Mont., and Paul (Shelly) of Keller, Texas; grandchildren, Scott (Kayla) Doney, Jim (Angela) Toldness, Brooke (Casey) Kump, Julie Toldness, Hillary (Aaron) Riggin, Carly (Casey) Begger, Katie (Matt) Frye, Megan (Jeramie) Robinson, Patricia (Cade) Blanchard, Sharlynn Lopez, Damon Toldness, Danielle Toldness, Jennifer Lewis and Ashley Warren; brother, George Toldness of the Philippines; and 13 great-grandchildren.