James P. (Pat) Leary, 84, died April 23, 2015 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena from injuries sustained while boating on Holter Lake, as he continued to enjoy life to the fullest.
Pat was born in Helena, Sept 17, 1930, the only child of Lee and Arlene Leary. His passion for sports made him a standout athlete in several arenas. In 1948, he graduated from Helena High School and participated in the first East-West Shrine football game. His sports enthusiasm was later fueled by attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many events. He was a master story teller and his recall of statistics was phenomenal. In 2007, Pat started golfing and worked at perfecting his game at many golf courses across the US. He still holds the record for the most rounds played in a year at the Fox Ridge Golf Course in Helena…..well over 260 rounds!
In Sept 1948, Pat was united in marriage to his grade school sweetheart, Ellen R Lutey. They were able to share their life together for 58 years with five wonderful children; Kevin, Linda, Patrick, Jan & Jill. He was so proud of his kids! He expanded his love of family by sharing many milestones with his Lutey sisters and brothers in law. (And they shared lots of shenanigans, too!)
Pat held numerous jobs growing up including selling newspapers, bakery and farm work and working on the railroad. He started working for Montana Power in 1948 as a ditch digger. He apprenticed as a gas serviceman and advanced through several positions. His 40 years of service took him from Helena to Lewistown, Great Falls, Butte and Billings. He retired in 1988 as marketing supervisor and returned to Helena. After retirement, Pat continued to do contract and easement procurement for ECI/SSR Engineering. He loved a challenge and worked many projects until 2004. He was an active and committed member of the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Opportunities Inc., Great Falls Business Council, Energy Committee of Neighborhood Housing Services and treasurer of the Riverfront Task Force to name a few.
Throughout his life, Pat enjoyed the many family activities and also became an “ever at ready” traveler. It was said that he could be packed and ready before you could finish saying, “Let’s go.” He was able to take several adventurous excursions that included: Washington DC, Mexico, Lake Pend O’Reille, the Grand Canyon, Nevada, Canada and Alaska. He once took the “gravy train”, an Amtrak trip around the perimeter of the US visiting relatives. Pat also loved the bus trips to Wendover and Coeur D’Alene with his senior friends.
Pat Leary always had a twinkle in his eye and was proud of his Irish heritage. His quips and quotes and words of wisdom were freely given with love. He was willing to try anything, go anywhere and help anyone. He leaves us many treasured memories and an example to enjoy life everyday…to truly live and be thankful. He would say, ”Live your life, forget your age.”
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Ellen in 2006. Pat’s surviving family includes: Kevin Leary and Sandy, Linda & Tim O’Hare, Patrick & Marion Leary, Jill & Mark Haigh and Jan & Matt Tedesco; his grandchildren, Carrie & Scott Foster, Paul & Riley Leary, Ryan & BJ O’Hare, Shannon & Dustin Barber, Tyler & RoseAnna Leary, Dan Leary, Dalainy, Dawson & Dexter Tedesco and Olivia Haigh. He also has 9 great grandchildren; Chase & Mason Foster, Tyler Rose and Cameron Leary, Logan & Liam O’Hare, Bella & Ava Leary and Ryan Barber. He will be greatly missed by special friends, Nick Jacques and Don Pratt.
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
11:30 a.m.
Thursday April 30, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
following the service
Thursday April 30, 2015
Fox Ridge Supper Club
4050 Lake Helena Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
11:30 a.m.
Thursday April 30, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
following the service
Thursday April 30, 2015
Fox Ridge Supper Club
4050 Lake Helena Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Barb Maras Baum says
I believe we have Angels that walk amongst us here on earth and mine arrived on an August evening in the form of Pat who had come to see his friend and coworker John at St. Pete’s. That evening he found me sitting with my Dad and spent well over an hour sharing hunting stories, work stories and more. May you find comfort in the stories he lived and know that he touched the hearts of many. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you at this time.
Dave Lankutis says
I had agreed to start my first full time engineering job in 5 months, upon getting my diploma from MSU. Pat and Ellen had provided surrogate parenting responsibility to me for several years. The job would be with an electric utility in a neighboring state. Pat spent quality time giving me a big picture view of what I had gotten myself into. “It’s all about the customer”.
As I continued my career, the coffees or lunches with Pat continued as I would return to Lewistown periodically.
Kevin, Linda, Pat, Jill and Jan
You had a great dad! And you still do, his positive influence lives on through all of us that knew and respected him.
We live in Joliet MT now, call if you come through.
David Smith says
We will certainly miss Pat here at the Silver Sneakers classes at the YMCA. His friendship and good nature with our group was a wonderful gift. Thank you Pat. Happy trails.
Karen (Horning) Newton says
Linda, I was saddened to learn of the passing of your Dad. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Kathy Hay says
I had the distinct pleasure to work with Pat in Lewistown. He was the consumate gentleman with a little glint of mischief in his eye. He was a caring and wonderful co-worker. One of my happy memories was around Christmas time. It would be about 3:30, 4:00 o’clock on Christmas Eve and Pat would tell us it was time for him to do his Christmas shopping. He always said there was plenty of time left. Sure made us laugh. And when we would have a company gatherings it was always fun to see Pat and Ellen together. They sure did love each other. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. You are blessed to have these two very special people as your parents. They will always be with you.
matt & mary Kunnary says
Matt & I are so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. We got to know Pat at the Fox Ridge Golf course. We had many talks, and many stories were told by Pat. We loved each and every one of them. His presence will be greatly missed at the course. If there is anything that we can do to help your family please do not hesitate to let us know.
God’s blessing to you and your family during this time of grief.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
james casselman says
Our family sends your family our deepest condolences. We enjoyed the time Pat and Ellen lived next to us. I miss visiting with them at the fence between the gardens.
Craig Hensel says
To Jill and the rest of the family and friends – I was very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Judy Marcum-Klette says
I was saddened to see that your dad had passed ~ he was such a good friend, co-worker and boss while here in Great Falls. Always the jokester and always kind in every way. My prayers to all of you and your families . . . Pat spoke of you with much love and pride. God’s Blessings to all.
Keith Phillips says
Kevin I was sad to hear about your dad. I didn’t know him well but had the pleasure of working with on a right of way project in Washington State. We had a fun time on a rather dull project and I learned a lot about Helena history and the fun he had as a teenager. He a had good story about going to Butte and being told by the police to not come back. He was always upbeat and had good advice for a young engineer with no experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barb Clusserath says
I only met Pat a couple times but sure did enjoy comparing notes about grandchildren!
What a nice guy!
Barb Clusserath says
Great guy; RIP, Pat