William E. O’Leary, age 78, of Helena, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2010 at St. Peter’s Hospital. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm, Sunday, August 22, 2010 at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at Noon until 7:00pm of the same day. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am, Monday, August 23, 2010 at the Cathedral of St. Helena in Helena.
Bill was born September 30, 1931, in Anaconda, Montana, the eldest son of James O’Leary and Mary P. (Quigley) O’Leary. He was raised in Butte, graduating from Butte Central High School with the class of 1949. Bill, a 1953 graduate of Carroll College in Helena, went on to receive a law degree from the University of Montana in 1960.
On October 9, 1965, Bill and Lucille Morin of Osburn, Idaho were united in marriage, at St. Ann’s Cathedral in Great Falls, Montana. The day began a life long partnership which continued to inspire their children and others until the day of his parting.
Bill, a member of the Montana and Federal Bar began his career as a trial attorney for the Montana Highway Department for four years before becoming the administrator of the legal division of the Railroad and Public Service Commission in Helena. He resigned as Chief Counsel of the Montana Public Service Commission in April of 1973 to enter private law practice, specializing in transportation law. In 1986, Bill left private practice to join the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. He later transferred to the Montana Department of Labor before retiring in 1993.
Growing up in Butte left an indelible mark on Bill creating memories of a hard working, fun loving mining community. This instilled a strong faith in God and love of family that he carried with him throughout his entire life. Catholic faith and strong Irish traditions guided Bill and have carried through to his children and grandchildren.
Bill and Lucille welcomed many and all into their home on Geddis Street. The smell of baking bread or homemade spaghetti quickly enveloped any visitors and Irish hospitality was in full swing. Bill’s insight, quick wit and knack for story telling entertained many a friend around the kitchen table late into the night. He liked nothing more than a house full of people, good food and good stories flowing.
His family fondly remembers many camping trips and days spent driving the roads less traveled in the high mountains of Montana. In Bill’s eyes, sitting around a campfire after a day of huckleberry picking just couldn’t get any better. At home, Bill enjoyed tending to his rose garden and many visitors left with roses in hand. The addition of grandchildren in his life added to his many blessings. He was proud of all of them, enjoyed watching them grow and prayed for them daily. His sense of humor and advice to “offer it up” or “keep the faith” will continue to shape their futures.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents James and Mary O’Leary.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of Helena; his sons Daniel and fiancé Cindi and his daughter, Katie all of Seattle, Washington; Michael and his wife Angela and her son Cody of Naples, Florida; his daughters Kathleen Zander and her daughters Jessica, Toriana and Kendra all of Glendive, Montana; Maureen Blake and her husband Emmett and their children Colleen, Cian and Gavin all of West Seattle, Washington; Janet Johnson and her husband Mark and their children Jack and Thomas of Shanghai China; his sister Margaret Wolpert and her husband Joe of Anaconda, Montana; his brothers James O’Leary and his wife Marie of Rochester, New York and Joseph O’Leary of Helena; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena MT 59601, in honor of the great care they provided or the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Rick Ahmann says
Lucille, Dan, Mike, Kathleen, Maureen and Janet,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bill. My recollections of him and your family go back more than 25 years to when I met Dan in Jr. High School. Bill was always a quick wit, ready to give me a hard time but always doing so in a manner that had me and anyone else in the room laughing. I was “Mr. Ahmann” to him. Somehow, I always felt like I was the witness who was being questioned. Thankfully I was never found guilty.
More recently however, my impressions of both Lucille and Bill have been as I have observed them at 9:00 mass on Sundays. Many days, my wife and I sat near them and commented often on the loving manner in which Lucille always cared for Bill. I heard his strong voice and love of singing, even as he labored to do so. In the past year I have seen the crew of kids and grandkids coming to mass – a strong testament to the importance faith plays in the O’Leary house. I watched Bill eagerly and reverently receive communion. He couldn’t wait to do it and it was no easy task for him to get there, but he always did. The memory I will hold most dearly will be that. A man weakened in body, but strong in his faith and family, eagerly receiving his lord. I know his Lord eagerly receives him this and every day.
Eternal rest grant to Bill oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.
God Bless,
Rick Ahmann
Bob & Kristie Stanhope and family says
Lucille, Kathleen, Janet, Maureen, Mike and Dan and families – We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We haven’t known Bill for very long, but the few times we had the chance to be around him, we will remember fondly and smile. May you find comfort in each other and in the love you share and had for him. Love, Bob and Kristie and family
Nickie Thomas Eck says
Lucille and Family – I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I fondly remember my years of working for him. Bill was always a man of strong character and loved him family above all else. He gave me a great start in my working career and because of that many doors have been opened for me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Diana Dowling says
We were so saddened – and shocked – to find out about Bill. We are also sad to miss his services because we will be in CA for Tom’s niece’s wedding on Sunday.
We will cherish lots of warm fun memories. Hugs to you Lucille.
Jeffrey Pedersen says
I was so sorry to learn that Bill passed away. I remember what a pleasant person Bill was to talk with when I was his mail carrier.
My sympathy goes out to all his family in this difficult time. Sincerely, Jeff Pedersen
Tom and Patrice Armbruster says
Dear Lucille and family…
We were sad to learn of Bill’s passing away. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers…
Tom and Patrice…
Kathleen Broussard says
Dear Lucille,
I am so sorry about Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jill and Creede Caldwell says
God Bless you during the coming days and weeks. We are so sorry for your loss.
Barbara and Michael Sheridan (and Luke) says
Dear Lucille,
We are so very, very sorry!
Dick & Marie Hyland says
Dear Family,
Marie and I wish to express our most sincere sympathy at Bill’s passing.
I will always remember his affable personality and humorous approach to life.
God Bless!!!
Lorri (Chugg) Mullen says
Dear Lucille, Janet & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband and father, Bill. What a void you must all feel. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you at this sad time. With love, Lorri (Chugg) Mullen
Vic Krushensky Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lucille and the familiy. He was always a jolly happy person. Always waved as he went by the house. God bless all of you.