Robert James Neary, Sr., aged 87, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Butte, Montana.  He was born on November 08, 1937, in Butte, Montana, the son of John and Jeanette (Thomas) Neary.

Bob leaves behind his children, Kathleen (Terry) Norcutt, Robert (Mary) Neary, Jr., and Keith (Lori) Neary; his grandchildren; Quinn, CeAnn, Taylor, Jeremy, Kohl, Kade, and Isabelle; and his great-grandchildren; George and Amelia.  He also leaves behind his brother, and hunting buddy, Jack (Pat) Neary; his sister, Nancy (Bob) Birkelo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished 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, competing in 12 marathons.  His defining accomplishment was qualifying and competing for the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman.  He received his degree in Forestry from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.  This degree led him on many adventures; from discovering a new flower species in Montana, to surveying big horn sheep in Colorado, to riding in the Thrust 2 land speed car, and permitting the Burning Man Festival in Nevada.

On a final note, 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 08, 2025, his birthday, in Whitehall, Montana, and will be announced by the Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to the Whitehall Booster Club, P.O. Box 179, Whitehall, MT  59759.