Richard O'Leary

Richard W. "Dick" O'Leary Richard W. "Dick" O'Leary, USMC Ret, 73, returned to his heavenly home on February 12, 2019 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in Jesus Christ supported him in his final fight and ultimately brought him a sense of peace and joy that he called "dying grace." Dick was born to the late James W. and Barbara Boothroy O'Leary, in Des Moines, IA on February 1, 1946. When he was 13 years old, in 1959, the O'Leary family moved to the remote Yaak valley in Montana, where Dick would develop a lifelong love of the American West and outdoorsmanship. He was the proud son of a WW2 veteran, and carried his family's tradition forward when he enlisted to serve with the USMC during the Vietnam Conflict. He found faith through the teaching of Col. Robert Thieme at Berachah Church in Houston, Texas in the 1970s and spent the remainder of his life as a devoted student of the Word of God. He was a man of extraordinary talent, and could master any skill he set his mind to. In his eventful life, he was a pioneer in computer aided drafting and design, a writer, artist, and artisan. Although he was accomplished in many skills, Dick would say his greatest achievement was when he married the love of his life, Cynthia Jane Boberg, on January 11, 1978 in Houston, TX. He was the devoted father of two beautiful daughters, Kathryn and Anne, and a loyal and loving "oldest brother" to his 7 siblings. In addition, Dick often described his son-in-law, Mileaway Southerland, as "the son he always wanted."

Dick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cindy; his daughters, Kathryn (Mileaway) Southerland and Anne O'Leary; his brothers and sisters: James (Misty) O'Leary; Barbara (Michael) Mathern; Patricia (Mark) Little; Michael (Heidi) O'Leary; Sister-in-law Julie ( Mike) Ury ; one step-grandson, Eric; 14 nephews and nieces, and numerous great nieces and nephews. When he stepped into heaven, Dick had a joyous reunion with his parents; his brother, Thomas Perry O'Leary; sister, Nancy Nowell; sister Kathleen Nowell; and his beloved grandparents Ina and Tom Boothroy among many others who await him there.

At Dick's request, there will be no formal service. He asked instead that those who love him gather and celebrate together when they are able. He will be remembered for so many wonderful things, and will be sorely missed - for a time - by all who knew and loved him.