John R. Boulds

John Roderick Boulds, 75, of Poplar, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 17, 2026, after a brief illness. John was born in Polson, MT on January 15, 1951, to Raymond and Jeanne Boulds. He was the first-born son and the third of eleven children.

John grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar High School, where he played football and wrestled, graduating in 1969. He spent the next two years working construction and odd jobs in the community before enlisting in the Army in 1971. He later transferred to the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably during the Vietnam era from 1971 to 1975 aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) as an AX3 Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. His Atlantic Fleet service took him through the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, visiting Italy, Turkey, Greece, and ports along the U.S. East Coast. During those years, he became an avid photographer and documented the many places he visited during his travels.

Following his military service, John briefly attended MSU in Bozeman before moving to Big Sky, where he worked as a chef. He spoke proudly of his cooking and skiing days in Big Sky. After a life-altering automobile accident, John returned home to Poplar, where he worked at the family drugstore until its closing in 2007. Many people will remember John from the jewelry and film counter, changing watch batteries, or wrapping gifts. He enjoyed visiting with everyone who came into the store and always had a story or a tall tale ready to share.

In his later years, John took up running and competed in road races, placing first or in the top bracket for his age group. He loved cooking and served as "camp cook" on rock-hunting trips with his father. He liked woodworking, planting flowers, reading, trivia, collecting recipes, and visiting with anyone he met, whether at the grocery store, buying a lottery ticket, or just about anywhere he went.

After his father's passing, John helped care for his mother for many years. He became the cook, grocery shopper, launderer, chauffeur, and groundskeeper, always making sure the yard was kept and beautiful flowers were planted for his mom. He especially enjoyed giving people rides and participating in activities with his elder group from the wellness center, including traveling to Helena and taking painting and art classes.

John gave the gift of sight through cornea donation, helping two people see.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his older sisters Muriel Smith (Russell) and Aileen Edwards.

He is survived by his siblings: Dolores, Michael, Donna Ranf (Bob), Patricia Toavs (John), Laurel, Jeffrey, Robert (Rachel), and Barrie, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his many friends around town.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Poplar Community Hospital for the care, comfort, and compassion they provided during the final week of John’s life.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.