Ricky Lee Geary, November, 15, 1949 – January 25, 2023
Rick was born in Edmonton, Canada to Leona and Sidney Geary, and moved to Worland, WY shortly after his birth. From a very young age, Rick and his 3 older brothers were raised by their mother. Their mischievous ways kept her hopping. Rick earned money riding his bike to the golf course and caddying, then treated himself to Pepsi and peanuts. While living there he made two lifetime friends, Leroy Bott and John Harrington. At age 15, he spent a summer hoeing sugar beets to buy his first car for $50. Rick and Leona drove that car to Salt Creek, MT for her teaching job. Rick attended Winifred High School, graduating in 1968. He was initially distraught about moving from Worland, but that changed when he started dating Nancy Wickens.
In March 1969, Rick was drafted by the US Army. He served as a helicopter mechanic In Vietnam, then Germany. Nancy visited him, and they got engaged. He was honorably discharged in December 1971. Rick and Nancy married on December 31, 1971, during a blinding blizzard in Hilger, MT.
They made their home in Worland, having two daughters, Wendy and Michelle. Rick worked in oil fields and in construction.
In 1977 the family moved to Powell, WY. Rick was a driller and tool pusher for Manning Drilling.
He enjoyed classic car auctions, boating, waterskiing, camping, golfing, downhill skiing, coaching T-ball, and fishing with his family and friends.
Rick attended Cheyenne AeroTech from 1985-1987 to get his A&P License. While pursuing his new career, the family moved 4 times in 3 years, resulting in Rick despising U-haul trucks.
He settled his family in Helena, MT in December 1987, employed as a contracted airplane mechanic for the National Guard C-12 program until he retired in 2010. He garnered multiple employee awards in this position.
Rick and Nancy enthusiastically explored Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona on vacations.
Rick’s grandchildren, Matt, Molly, Bridger, and Tanner kept him smiling. He attended their athletic events. He shared fishing, lake time, and flying down snow packed mountains on a tractor tire tube whooping all the way with them.
Rick believed his daughters should be educated, independent contributors to society, and was unequivocally devoted to Nancy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Lloyd and Samual (Cathy) Geary
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters: Wendy (Mike) Sitter and their children Matt and Molly, and Michelle (Kevin) Harris and their sons Bridger and Tanner, his brother Ernie (Ann) Geary and their sons, Jason and Zachery, and numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews on Nancy’s side of the family.
Ricky’s family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the staff at Edgewood Memory Care Facility and staff at St. Peter’s Health for the compassionate care you provided prior to his death from Alzheimers.
Ricky will have a private burial at the State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
An outdoor Celebration of his Life is planned this summer. In lieu of flowers, a memorial could be made to the Salvation Army.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Wilda McGraw says
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.
Bob and Lorraine Wherley says
Nancy and family
Bob and I were so sorry to hear of Ricks passing.
Our thought and prayers are with you !
Betty Fordyce says
I am so sorry for your loss! Your family will be in my prayers.🙏🙏
Larry & darby Sitter says
Nancy, Wendy and Michelle, our hearts , symathy and condolences go out to you on your loss. I always enjoyed my time with Rick
Jeff Harrington says
Nancy, Wendy and Michelle, I am very to sorry to hear Rich has passed away. He was awesome! My father’s best friend and such a good man. He was always so nice and good to me. I have many incredible memories with all of you. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Rodney Stulc says
Sending lots of hugs your way. Rick was a good friend and classmate and including you, some of my favorite people.
Dennis & Shannon Heggem says
Nancy sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Rick was a good friend and we had many adventures together. May he rest in peace.