Charles 'Tony' DuMay

Charles Anthony “Tony” DuMay, “the most amazing father and friend anyone could ask for,” passed away unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 10, 2014 while building a project outside. “He is now in heaven with the Lord and his family that has gone before him.”

Tony was born July 14, 1941, with his identical twin Tommy in Sikeston, Mo. They were the first set of twins to be born in Sikeston.               

Tony graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1959. He went to college at the University of Montana, where he walked on to the basketball team, played baseball and track, and earned his “M” lettermen’s jacket as well as a bachelor’s in secondary education with a major in biological science and a minor in health and PE. He eventually received his master’s in teaching.

Tony secured a teaching position in Missoula teaching junior high science and where he coached basketball. He then moved back to Columbia Falls and worked at the Anaconda Aluminum Co. plant for the next two years.

In 1980, he went back to teaching in Columbia Falls for School District 6 at the junior high as a science teacher and coached basketball. In 1995, he retired from teaching and went to work for the Forest Service, working out of the Hungry Horse Ranger Station as a wilderness ranger, firefighter and law enforcement officer.

Firefighting was most definitely his most favorite thing to do. At the age of 62, he fought his last fire as a sawyer. Tony was also very active in the North Valley Search and Rescue for many years. He enjoyed doing this with his father and twin Tommy.

Tony was most happy doing anything outside. Some of his favorites included hiking, running, hunting, fishing and gardening. He would even tie his own flies for flyfishing. He still enjoyed playing basketball right up until his death. He was blessed teaching his great granddaughter Kennasie how to play.

“There are so many stories of Tony to tell as a father, friend, educator and upstanding member of the community. We will always cherish these stories and memories and our time with him. We love you Dad and cherish the time we had with you. It was an honor to call him Dad.”

Tony was preceded in death by his identical twin Tom DuMay; his parents Harold and Otha DuMay; a son Tony DuMay; and grandson Clell Gibson.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Ann Gilk and husband Ed, son Alec Dumay and wife Holly, and daughter Ann Thiel, all of Columbia Falls; his daughter Lisa Barron,in Billings; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

At Tony’s request, no services are planned. On his birthday, July 14, 2015, there will be a small gathering to tell stories and carry out his final request of having his ashes scattered in one of his most beloved locations.