Dodge Kieran Leary

Dodge Kieran Leary passed in his sleep on May 6, 2022.  He was born on April 20, 1949 in Anaconda, MT, to William and Josephine (McGinley) Leary of Anaconda, MT.  Dodge spent his youth with his rough-and-tumble brothers, cousins and peers of Goosetown and in the heart of Anaconda, where family and picnics reigned supreme.  He often recalled a particular remark at one such rain-soaked picnic: “We’re living like kings, and we don’t even know it.”  Dodge would go on to live his life innately “knowing it,” and shining his laughter, brilliance, and love on others so that they may come to know it, too.   

Dodge graduated from Anaconda Central in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Carroll College, and a Graduate degree from the Pacific Coast Banking School.  Dodge made lifelong friends in his capacities at Anaconda’s First National Bank, Norwest Bank, and Dee Motor Company.  During this time, Dodge married his best friend, Kathy Doohan Leary, and raised two daughters, Tricia and Kaitlin, with the utmost pride.  Ever supporting his hometown, Dodge served on numerous Anaconda boards and service projects throughout his life.  In more recent years, you may have seen Dodge out enjoying one of his many rides around Deer Lodge County.  If you weren’t lucky enough to take a ride with him, you likely ended up stuck on the road behind him—at least until there was a turnout to let you pass—while he took in his music and the beauty of the land, he loved best. 

Dodge is preceded in death by his mother and father, Josephine and Bill, his brother, Denny, and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is survived by his wife Kathy Leary of Anaconda, children Tricia (Eric) Hoiland and Kaitlin Leary (Ken Hurst) of Anaconda, brother Dean (Gail) Leary of Sheridan, grandchildren Rian, Adriana, and Camryn Hoiland of Anaconda, nieces Angie (Jake) Hornby of Lewiston, ID and Amy Leary of Missoula, and nephew Greg (Cindy) Leary of Missoula, as well as numerous and loved “McGinleyville” cousins, and friends stretching from the valley to the lake.  

“Show me that river, take me across.  And wash all my troubles away.  Like That Lucky Old Sun with nothin' to do.  But roll around Heaven all day.”  JL Lewis

There will be a party to celebrate Dodge on June 11th at the Club Moderne in Anaconda, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Anaconda Community Foundation, 118 E 7th Street, Suite 3 F, Anaconda, MT 59711, or online at anacondacommunityfoundation.org