Robert James Neary, Sr., 87

Robert James Neary, Sr., aged 87, passed away on September 20, 2025. Born on November 8, 1937, in Butte, Montana, Robert leaves behind three children: Kathleen Norcutt (Terry), Robert Jr. (Mary), and Keith (Lori). He also leaves his brother and hunting buddy Jack (Pat), and his sister Nancy Birkelo (Bob); his grandchildren Quinn (CeAnn), Taylor (Jeremy), Kohl, and Kade (Isabelle). Bob also had two great-grandchildren, George and Amelia, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob, as he was affectionately known, led a charmed life. He was an athlete at an early age and was a member of the Butte Bombers Hockey Team, where he had the privilege of playing against the Czechoslovakian Olympic Team at the Butte Civic Center in front of the largest hockey crowd ever recorded in Butte at the time. Later in life, Bob became a competitive runner, completing 12 marathons. His defining accomplishment was qualifying and competing in the Boston Marathon.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who received a degree in forestry from the University of Montana in Missoula. This degree led him on many adventures; from discovering a new flower species in Montana to surveying big horned sheep in Colorado, to riding in the Thrust 2 Land Speed Car, and permitting the Burning Man festival in Nevada.

Finally, Bob was just plain fun. He never met a stranger and would visit with everyone as he completed his daily walk around Whitehall. He always had a story, a laugh, and a smile to share. We are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful father to teach us how to navigate life with passion, grit, and humor.

A memorial is planned for November 8, 2025, in Whitehall, Montana. Details to follow.

The family has requested donations in memory of Bob be be made to the Whitehall Booster Club, PO Box 179, Whitehall, MT 59759.