Dr. Stephen Dailey

— On Sept. 29, 2018, Dr. Stephen Raymond Dailey, 84, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side, of pancreatic cancer. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity and love.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 217 Tremont St., Missoula, with a reception following in the Parish Center.

Stephen was born on Jan. 10, 1934, in Great Falls to Joseph and Mary Dailey. He was raised in Maxville, the youngest of six children, where he attended elementary school and graduated from the eighth grade in Philipsburg. He attended his freshman year of high school in Philipsburg. Stephen and his mother then moved to Helena to be closer to his ailing father, a veteran of WWI residing at the VA Hospital. He attended Cathedral High School where he played basketball and graduated in 1951. Steve met Verla Bausch, of Helena, while in high school. They later married in the Cathedral of Saint Helena in 1956.

Steve attended Carroll College in Helena (1951-1954) where he participated in basketball, track and football. After three years at Carroll College he was accepted to the St. Louis University School of Dentistry in 1954. Dr. Dailey graduated from St. Louis University in 1958 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).

Upon graduation from dental school he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Officer and was stationed at Paine Air Force Base in Everett, Washington. After three years he was reassigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippine Islands where Verla and their children accompanied him for two years.

In 1963 Captain Dailey received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force and transitioned his family to Missoula where he established his dental practice. Dr. Dailey provided dental care to his beloved patients in the Missoula community for 46 years.

In recognition of his outstanding service, ethics, leadership, devotion to patient care and the advancement of the science and art of dentistry, Dr. Dailey was inducted as a fellow into three prestigious honorary organizations: the American College of Dentists in 1983, the Academy of General Dentistry in 1986 and the International College of Dentists in 1991.

Steve was an active member and supporter of many organizations including the American Dental Association, Montana Dental Association, Elks Club, American Legion, United Way of Missoula, University of Montana Excellence Fund, Grizzly Scholarship Association, Grizzly Athletic Association, Carroll College Alumni Association, and Missoula Country Club. He was an active parishioner at St. Anthony Catholic Church for 55 years and attended daily Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife Verla of 60 years, his parents Joseph and Mary and siblings Agnes, Francis (Bud), Loretta, Veronica, and Mary Theresa.

He will be remembered as the ultimate gentleman, a humble man of faith and a selfless servant. He was a man of steadfast integrity who was deeply devoted to his family and friends. Dr. Dailey was a caring dentist who truly enjoyed his profession. He often stated, “I am blessed to have the nicest patients in the world!”

Left to cherish his memory, Stephen is survived by his six children: Cathleen Frank (Daniel), James Dailey (Linda), Colleen Cimino (William), Mark Dailey (Pamela), Patrick Dailey (Ennea), Elaine Wilson (Michael); and ten grandchildren: Camille, Michael, Stephen, Benjamin, Ryan, Lauren, Megan, Cole, Emma, and Joseph.

The Dailey family extends their heartfelt thanks to family, friends and former patients for their many acts of kindness and love during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Stephen’s name to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 217 Tremont St., Missoula, MT 59801 or St. Francis Xavier Parish, 420 W. Pine St., Missoula, MT 59802 or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59808 is assisting the family.