John T. Dove

John Thomas Dove, 87, of Missoula, MT passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at St. Patrick hospital of natural causes. He was born on December 12, 1928 to Melvin A. and Ida B. (Landvik) Dove in Milan, MN. He attended grade school and high school in Milan, and followed his big brother, Mel, to college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where he studied business.
He developed a strong work ethic at his father’s business, Dove Oil Company, in Milan during high school, summers, and college recesses. He also worked on local farms, especially during harvest season.
In August of 1950, John proudly joined the United States Navy. He served as a radioman aboard the destroyer USS Bristol (DD-857). He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1954.
On June 27, 1953, John married his love, Virginia (Ginny) M. Johnson. When John completed his Naval service during the first year of their marriage, he and Ginny moved to Minneapolis, MN where John resumed his college education at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1955 with a degree in business.
John started his career as a property and casualty insurance agent with Federated Insurance in Owatonna, MN. In 1973, he fulfilled his childhood dream of living in Montana, and he, Ginny, and their daughter, Carla moved to Missoula where John joined Larry Larson and Associates, which later became Western States Insurance (now Payne-West Insurance). John held the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, and in 1989 was appointed to the Montana Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board, on which he served until 1992. John retired from Western States Insurance in 1991. During his business career, John was a member of the Chamber of Commerce Red Coats, the Elk’s Club and the Noon Lion’s Club. He was well known in the business community as a man of the utmost honesty and integrity.
John achieved the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and was proud to be a Shriner, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.
When he moved to Missoula, John realized another dream, that of becoming a private pilot. He spent many joyful hours flying, and formed many wonderful and lasting friendships in the aviation community. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Montana Pilots Association, Montana Antique Airplane Association, Experimental Aircraft Association where he supported their Young Eagles program, Aircraft Owner and Pilot’s Association, and was a charter member of the Aviation Organizations of Montana. He completed the Mountain Search Pilot Clinic and participated in numerous searches. He also flew along with part of the Lindbergh Commemorative Tour in 1978.
John bought his beloved 1947 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser airplane (NC3381M “Mike”) in 1989, in which his daughter shared ownership. He spent many happy hours flying “low and slow” and attended many fly-ins and pancake breakfasts. John and Carla took an air tour with the Montana Antique Airplane Association to Western Canada in 1994, and that was a very special trip for both of them.
In 1996, he started the restoration process intending to bring Mike back to its original condition with the help of Wayne “Scooter” Schofield, Roy Steingas, and others at Northstar Aviation. In 1998, John took the plane to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to be judged at the Experiemental Aircraft Association annual AirVenture gathering, and the plane won the prestigious Golden Lindy Award for Classic Grand Champion, which is named after Charles Lindbergh, for the incredible quality of workmanship on the restoration. In 2000, he flew the plane to Lockhaven, PA, and was honored with the Sentimental Journey Award which was presented by William Piper, Jr.
John and Ginny enjoyed camping in their travel trailer, and took many wonderful trips together each summer, with Beavertail campground east of Missoula as a favorite spot. After retirement, John and Ginny began spending winters in Palm Springs, CA where John enjoyed playing golf and volunteering as a marshal at Tahquitz Creek Golf Course, and served as a driver for the Kraft Nabisco and Frank Sinatra Golf Tournaments.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia, of Missoula, and daughter and son-in-law Carla and Jim Hvid of Reno, NV, sisters Dorothy (Tom) Johnson and Ruth (Jack) Vosler, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ida Dove, brother Melvin Dove, Jr. and his wife Judith Dove, sister Jean Dove Melom and her husband H. Jesse Melom, nephews Richard M. Dove and John T. Vosler.
The family extends gratitude to J. Michael Caldwell, M.D. and the professionals at the International Heart Institute in Missoula, as well as the very kindhearted and compassionate doctors, nurses and health care professionals at St. Patrick Hospital who cared for him with respect and dignity during his last illness. We also thank the thoughtful and gentle Home Instead staff and caregivers.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 1:30 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Reverend Chris Flohr officiating, followed by internment at the Missoula Veteran’s Cemetery. Garden City Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation and is assisting with the arrangements. The family suggests that donations be made in John’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT 59801 or to the charity of their choice.

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