William “Bill” Leary, 93, of Helena passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 18, 2021. Bill, a lifetime Montana resident, was born in Butte to Ralph and Agnes Leary. He was raised mostly by his mother after his father died when Bill was 12. After high school, Bill joined the Marines and served for two years in the South Pacific and Pearl Harbor, where he played baseball for the Pearl Harbor Marines.
After his service, Bill returned to Montana and used the GI Bill as a WWII vet to attend Montana State, where he played football and baseball for the Bobcats. Academically, he earned an Accounting degree. Also at MSU, he met Marjorie “Marge” Morgan, who became the love of his life. They married in 1951, nearly 70 years before his passing. Sadly, he lost Marge in 2000.
Bill took his Accounting degree to Billings Deaconess Hospital, where he started as a financial officer before becoming an assistant administrator. Bill was named as the administrator of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, MT in 1958 before he and Marge moved to Helena in 1963 when Bill began his long tenure as Executive Director of the Montana Hospital Association. After he retired from this position in 1987, he continued to work as a lobbyist for the Montana Bankers Association. Bill was a charter member of Covenant United Methodist Church and a life-long Rotarian who served as President of his chapter.
Bill was a devoted father to Shawn (Tom) Perez, Michael (Laura) Leary, and Ralph (Nancy) Leary. He is survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One grandson predeceased him. He spent many hours playing catch with and coaching his sons, and spotted his daughter on a balance beam in the living room. He greatly enjoyed acting the role of the patriarch when his extended family gathered every summer at the Canyon Ferry cabin he and Marge rebuilt in his retirement.
Bill loved sports, and celebrated the Bobcats big win sending them to the national championship just hours before he passed. In addition to his college sports experience, Bill played baseball in the old Copper League and was a player-manager of a traveling baseball team when he and Marge lived in Hamilton. In Helena, Bill frequently umpired American Legion games. Most nights, he watched sports on the TV along with old movies, which he also loved. He was also an accomplished dancer and delighted everyone when at 88 he danced with his granddaughter at her wedding.
Bill lived a remarkable life. From his very modest beginnings, Bill’s strong work ethic, humility, generosity, kindness, and sense of humor enabled him to become a respected administrator and lobbyist, a well-known figure in Helena, and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was truly a member of the greatest generation.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on July 30th, 10:00 AM at Covenant Methodist Church 2330 E Broadway Street
Helena MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 am
Saturday July 30, 2022
Covenant Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 am
Saturday July 30, 2022
Covenant Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Tom Naegele says
Leary Family,
Your Dad was a Gentleman and all around Fine Person. I met him as he coached me in my early life. And mentored kids and people in Many occasions in his long and enriched life. Celebrating people in our lives who shared their life gifts, freely and for a long time, a joy and honor. Rest In Peace Bill
Sincerely and Supportively
Tom
Elinor Edmunds Miller says
Leary family,
I am saddened to hear of the death of your beloved Father. He and Marge were a delight to be around and I greatly enjoyed knowing him and their times at Covenant United Methodist Church. And it was so special that they welcomed our youth group at their cottage. It was a joyful time for everyone. Know that he and your family are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Elinor Edmunds Miller
Carolyn Truscott says
Hello Ralph, I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sounds like he lived a wonderful, full, active life. That’s a blessing. I’m glad you had him for so long. Sending comfort to you and your family.
Carolyn Tafolla Truscott
Carol Christnnacht says
Mr Leary was a wonderful generous man. He always had a quick smile and a Hello
Sylvia, Matthew, Zoe & Austin Laurich says
Our sincere condolences to the Leary family. Bill was a wonderful man and just loved spending time visiting and catching up with his Canadian friends. We will miss Bill and our special visits. Baseball and football games with Bill were priceless. We had more fun watching his reactions and comments. We love you Bill.
Martha, Frank, Anthony & Brandon Spadafora says
We are sorry for your loss. Bill was such a great person, he will live on in our memories forever. Our heartfelt condolences.
Sanna Porte says
Dear Leary family — I’m so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a shining light in this world, intelligent, kind, and open hearted. My thoughts are with you.
Leslie Moran says
Ralph, so sorry to hear this news. It sounds like your Dad had a long life well-lived. Blessings to you and yours and find peace and comfort in all the good memories.