Hugh “Bud” Robert Kelleher
Hugh “Bud” Robert Kelleher, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 in St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Montana. He was born on September 19, 1927 in Helena to Cornelius Francis Kelleher and Marie Margaret Duffy Kelleher. After attending an aviation college in Norman, Oklahoma, he began an over 40 year career as the Airport Manager in Helena, Montana, and was a president for the American Association of Airport Executives. Surpassing his dedication to this field was his devotion to his wife and to his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending summers in Helena and winters in Indio, California. Golfing, reading, and emailing his friends are only a few of his hobbies. He loved spending time with his children, grandchild and great-grandchildren, often taking them on fishing and boating excursions. Rooted in his faith, he was a long-standing parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Helena, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and a lifetime member of the Elks as well. Left to honor Bud and remember his love are his wife of 65 years, Eileen Frances Smole Kelleher; his three children, Carol Kelleher, Debbie (Jim) Munzenrider, and David (Nicole) Kelleher; his five grandchildren, Tifny (Aaron) Mathena, Tasa and Chloe Munzenrider, and Patrick and Connor Kelleher; his two great-grandchildren, Max and Stella Mathena; and his brother Patrick (Carol) Kelleher and many nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by his parents Cornelius and Marie Kelleher, his brothers Jack and Vince Kelleher, and sisters Margaret Olson and Ada Thuet. A loving and generous soul, Bud will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A mass will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital via Partners in Hope at www.StJudes.org (800-805-5856). Services will be held at a later date in the early summer. Please visit below to share a memory of Bud or to offer a condolence to the family.
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Mary Kay and George Bennett says
In the silence of my heart, I pray a thousand prayers for you. We are so happy that we spent Fourth of July with both of you. My photos of the day will remind me of friends, love and friendship.
Dan and Sandy Hash says
Eileen, Dave, Debbie, Carol:
So sorry for the loss of Bud. I will always remember my times with you, especially at the lake. Peace be with you and Bud.
Gus and Karolee Weickum says
Eileen and family;
So Sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Megan has great memories with Uncle Bud, Grandma Margaret, Auntie A and the whole Family.
sending love.
Paul Bisom says
Sorry for your loss. I have many great memories growing up at the Kelleher house and at the lake house. RIP Bud, you lived a great life and touched many people.
Connie Moze says
Eileen, Carol, Deb, David
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I have a life full of beautiful memories of my Uncle Bud, from Highland street to California and back. I have loads of photos of family get togethers out at Mom’s and will treasure them. Bud will be dearly missed. We Iove you all.
Connie and Bob
Cindy Terry says
Aunt Eileen, Cousins Carol, Debbie & David,
So many memories it’s hard to recount. Staying at your apartment as a small child when you lived at the airport, playing on the runway and on luggage racks; picking cattails at the bog near your house on Columbia; millions of memories at Jerome Place where I spent so much time with your family; Uncle Bud going to the mountain and cutting down a Christmas Tree for us every year. So many happy times and so much love for you all. Uncle Bud has a very special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy
Rick Ahmann and Family says
Eileen,
All of our best to you and your family. We have grown to enjoy seeing the annual right of spring in Helena – as you and Bud returned from California each year to your usual seats across the Cathedral from our family. You and Bud have been an integral part of Morgan family events for as far back as I can remember. Bud with his quick wit and wise words, you with a warm hug and huge smile. More than anything though, your lifelong relationship with Gramma and Papa Morgan has been inspirational. Our prayers are with you. We look forward to giving you a big collective HUG!!!
Rick & Jen and the Boys
Charlie and Darcy Schulz says
Dave, Carol, Deb, and Eileen
So sorry to hear of Bud’s passing, such a gentlemen. Memories of visiting your house in my younger years especially during Christmas break have always been cherished. Eileen and Bud’s open arms and entertaining conversation helped me realize the importance of doing the same with my children’s guests. Thanks Bud.
Jay Reardon says
Eileen and Family
So sorry to hear of Buds passing, I always enjoyed visiting with you guys whenever we got the chance. I will always remember his kindness and words of wisdom whenever we got a chance to see each other.
Larry & Sharon Pfeiffer says
Eileen,
We are both saddened to hear of your loss. Bud was a great guy and neighbor, we will miss him and want you to know you are in our thoughts.
"Sam" Foss says
Carol,
My sincerest condolences to you and your entire family. Please know you are in my heart and I hope the fond memories you have of your father will in time be reflected in a beautiful smile on your face. Hugs, my friend.
Colleen (Kelleher) Collins says
Aunt Eileen, Carol Ann, Debbie, and David
Like Connie and Cindy, I too have so many great memories when we all growing up in Helena and spending time at Uncle Bud’s on Jerome and out at the lake. We will miss him dearly. I am praying for all of you every day and look forward to when we gather to honor him.
Kevin Kelleher says
Aunt Eileen, Carol Ann, Debbie and David,
I was so sad to hear the loss of Uncle Bud, who was like a second father to me. So many special memories of spending time together in both Helena and out at the lake. Those are all memories that I will always cherish forever, and could have only wished they could have continued. I will miss my Uncle Bud dearly and will keep yourselves and him in my prayers. Will be looking forward to getting together with all of you to memorialize Uncle Bud.
Love you all,
Kevin, Caroline, Brendan and Kiera
Karen (Kelleher) Wiles says
Aunt Eileen, Carol Ann, Debbie & David
Like all of the other cousins, I have so many happy memories of Uncle Bud as do my kids. We never missed a trip to Uncle “Butts” at Halloween and we so enjoyed going to your house on Jerome Street every Christmas and the many trips to the lake. He will be so missed
Love
Karen
Bonnie Lowe says
The 6 weeks I stayed with the Kelleher’s was such a fun and memorable time. I mostly remember them teasing me about “Going to me house”. I don’t why but I thought about Bud today and thought I’d see what was new with him on the internet. So sorry to hear of his passing. My best wishes go with one of the best families I have ever had the privleges to know.