Pat H. O’Leary, 58, passed away on Nov. 8, 2011, surrounded by his family after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He had survived colon cancer in 2007.
He was born in Helena, Dec. 31, 1952, to Francis (Tex) O’Leary and Gerri O’Leary. He attended Central Elementary, Helena Middle School and Helena High, graduating in 1972. He worked for the city of Helena and U.S. Plywood in Silver City before going to work for the Burlington Northern railroad in 1976 until his medical retirement in 2000. He traveled a great deal but came home every weekend to be with his girls.
Pat and Kammie Rasmussen were married in Las Vegas on July 17, 1994. They had two daughters, Brittni and Kelsey O’Leary, and stepdaughter, Misty Rasmussen, whom he loved very much. He had a lot of pleasure taking his family on vacation nearly every summer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling and playing poker with his many friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his dad; grandmother, Lilly Mae Spry; and several special aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his daughters, Brittni (Jeremy Hand, fiance) and Kelsey O’Leary; granddaughter, Hailie; stepdaughter, Misty (Dan) Antonia; step-granddaughter, Hayden Antonia; his mother, Gerri; sisters, Jeanne (Dennis) Haser of Billings, Karen of Newport, Ore.; brother, Mike (Mayda) of Missoula; and ex-wife, Kammie Rasmussen. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11, at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with a reception following the service at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1720 11th Ave. To offer condolences or share a memory of Pat, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Karolee Weickum says
Gus and I want to express our sympanthy for your loss. Pat worked on the rail road with Gus and was a Great friend to Mark and Mark’s daughter Megan thought of him as her Uncle Pat. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Gus, Karolee Weickum and Megan Peterson-Genthner and Family
Megan Peterson- Genthner says
I’m sure going to miss you Pat you were like a second father to me and the best friend my dad could have ever asked for, and together again. I was truly blessed to have had you in my life i love and will remember and miss you for ever. To the O’Leary family Jerry, Brit, and Kelsey I am so truly sorry for your loss and love you dearly. Megan Peterson- Genthner
Loree Steckler says
Pat always had a special place in my heart, along with his whole family. I remember our vacations, sleepovers, raiding gardens and falling “in love” for the fist time. I am so glad that I got to spend time with Pat and Lanny while I was in Montana on vacation. My heartfelt condolences and love to all of you.
Gary Martinsen says
I am sorry I will not be able to attend the celebration of Pat’s life. I would like to express my condolences to the O’Leary family, Pat was a good man and a good friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers
jim moyle says
a sunset here is a sunrise there.
The Root's says
Sorry for your loss O’Leary family and friends.
We will all remember the good times and memories
of Pat that we will always cherise.
Mike & Mary (Fetters) Root & Family
Connie Moze says
My memory of Pat was babysitting on a Friday night for him, Jeannie & Mike when Jerri and Tex went out. Most recent memories are when visiting Mom in Helena Mark and Pat would be on the phone with each other every morning planning their day, they became inseparable. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to know his wife and girls better. You will be missed, Pat. I’m betting Mark was the first to greet you in Heaven.
George Nelson says
RIP Pat. I always remember you as someone I thought was totally cool. You were older than me and I recall that as a youngster (when I was 10 or 12 yo) I was amazed at all the stuff you did. I always looked up to you.
George (824 9th Ave) Nelson
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer says
So sorry I will not be able to attend the celebration of Pat’s life. I will always remember and miss your smile and that special laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Pat. We have all lost a great friend.
Karen Romero-Snell says
Jean and family members:
I have been praying for you and thinking about you, too! I would like to be there to give you a hug…give you a helping hand where needed. I haven’t met your mom, but let her know I am so sorry. God Bless
Michele (Brown) Reinhard says
I was so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. Pat has always had a special place in my heart and I’m thankful to have know him. Gerri, you have always been special to me as well, thank you for always being so kind.
It doesn’t seem fair when someone so young passes. I was glad to hear that Pat had accepted the Lord as his Savior before he passed. I’m thankful that he is whole again and won’t have to suffer with pain.
I wish you all my heartfelt sympathies.
Lorraine Romero says
Dear Pat my friend,
You are at peace now, but your spirit will live on forever and ever, and ever. I won’t whine, WHA-WHA, like you use to say to me, No Whiners, and I mean it! Ha.. You are going to be missed by everyone Pat. I have been very fortunate to have known you and your family. I also have very fond memories of you I will always remember and treasure you my friend. You are loved, and I already miss you. Rest in Peace. God Bless the O’Leary children, and Jerry, Mike and his family, Jeanie and Dennis and their family, cousins, and Pat’s buds.
Lorraine Romero
Cindi (Fontana) George says
I am so very sorry for your loss, Pat will be missed. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
God Bless.
Kelsey O'Leary says
Thank you everyone my dad will be missed much. But the memories will never go away.
*p.s I love you daddy*