Timothy Wayne Dolan
Aug. 28, 1953 — Dec. 9, 2010
MONTROSE — On Dec. 9, 2010, cancer preempted Tim Dolan’s celebration of life. Tim, like many of his family before and after him, was born in Montrose. He graduated in 1971 from MHS. Tim was preceded in departure from this existence by his father, Maurice M. Dolan; grandparents, Clarence and Jesse Barnes and Emmet and Sylvia Boyer, all of Montrose; and several aunts and uncles throughout the valley. His wishes live on through his mother, V. Carol Dolan and brother, David A. Dolan.
Tim’s fondest memories were of the years he spent as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret serving our great country. He was proud to be a patriot, as was his father who served in the Korean War with the Navy UDT (frogman). Tim believed by his draft number that he would be drafted so, in typical Tim fashion, he decided to enlist for a higher calling. The recruiter, at the time, tried repeatedly to talk Tim out of SF because Tim didn’t ‘look the part’ but with Tim’s 100% score on the aptitude test along with the other testing, he had to give Tim a shot. Following are quotes from his raters: For promotion to SP5 recommending immediate promotion (ahead of his contemporaries) – “…SP4 Dolan constantly demonstrates a high degree of ingenuity, knowledge of his job and outstanding military leadership. He possesses military maturity usually associated with older NCOs.” From his Advanced Engineer Course – “… He actively pursued additional professional expertise with an unflagging self study program in his off-duty time, garnering knowledge in his own MOS, as well as Special Forces operations in general.”
Although Tim’s primary civilian vocation was heavy equipment operator, his true passion was an unquenchable thirst for knowledge with ‘an unflagging self study program.’ He once bought the Encyclopedia Britannica and … read it, all of it. He was a wizard at math but loved learning everything from biology to astronomy as demonstrated by his words and his large personal library.
Tim was magnanimous and very loyal to his family and friends. Although he didn’t mince words, many friends have expressed how his caring nature and overall knowledge helped them through some difficult times. He exemplified the family values of helping those in need. Although he didn’t have children of his own, he loved kids and it showed in their eyes and actions when around him. One of his young cousins has been selected by Tim to receive his Service Beret along with full knowledge of the commitment and sacrifice required to own this rare badge of honor.
Tim spent a large portion of his last few months immersed in researching family genealogy. It turns out family members contracted building Larimer Street in Denver as well as helping build Montrose during the time of the town being incorporated in the late 1800’s. This research is a legacy that he wants continued by family.
Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at the United Methodist Church at 19 South Park in Montrose. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to CASA-Voices for Children, P.O. Box 1708, Montrose, CO, 81402 and/or Boy Scout Troop #491 c/o John Reiher, 2525 Arbor Way, Montrose, CO 81401. Military Funeral Service conducted by Army National Guard – Honor Guard. Tim requested that we celebrate his life rather than mourn his departure. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
