John Gregory McCleary

John “Jack” Gregory McCleary 62, passed away July 24, 2013 after 541 days of acute myeloid leukemia. His wife and best friend, Lynda Kaye was at his side and during the past two years, they what it was like to survive and to grieve. Jack often kiddingly would say, “I'm spending my early retirement at doctors' appointments and in the hospital.” That wasn't far from the truth since during 2012, he had 483 doctors' appointments and 119 days in the hospital. But he never gave up. Never. He was determined to live his life in any condition that he could. And with the help from Dr. Hager, Dr. Kahn, Dr. Lucas, Dr. Mournian, Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Thometz, Jo Rowland, Charlotte Robertson, the staff at the Frontier Cancer Center, St. Vincent's Sleep Center, North Shiloh staff and the 3 Fortin nursing earth angels, Jack lived life. Jack was born February 15, 1951 in Billings, MT, to the late William G. and Marie M. McCleary. Ironically Jack was born at St. Vincent's Hospital and toward the end, he spent all of his cancer treatments at 3 Fortin where he would laugh and enjoy “his nurses.” Jack graduated from Billings Central High School in l970. He was especially proud of being a member of the Billings Central State A Championship Football Team in 1968. After graduation, Jack went to Western Technical College in Denver, Colorado and he returned a year later to continue his studies in Billings, Montana. On June 26, 1971, he met Lynda Kaye Loff and they became inseparable best friends. On July 15, 1972 over a Hamburger Helper dinner, Jack proposed and they were married on September 30, 1972. Immediately after they moved to Denver, Colorado to seek their “fame and fortune.” Well that didn't happen so they moved back to Billings, Montana; and on November 11, 1974, Jack's darling Irish daughter Kary-Lynn was born. She was a tiny baby and Jack called her his “Five pound sack of sugar.” On October 11, 1974, Jack entered into a four-year electrical apprenticeship with the International Brothers of Electrical Workers. He enjoyed learning this craft so much so that he spent hours rewiring his apartments and friends' homes just to see if he could do everything “to code.” Jack worked as an electrical contractor for Action Electric for many years and also at Mountain Electric. In April of 1976, he and Lynda moved to Laurel, Montana. Jack enjoyed living in Laurel because he could ride his bicycle back-and-forth to Billings everyday – winter, spring, summer, fall. He was determined to be lean and fit to protect his heart since heart problems tended to run in the McCleary family. On May 20, 1989, Jack and Lynda moved to Billings Heights and lived in a house that he affectionately called, “The House that Jack Built for Lynda.” Jack was thrilled because he could ride his bicycle 37 miles every morning before he went to work. His favorite route was up and down Zimmerman Trail. Needless to say, Lance Armstrong was his hero; and he would often refer to Armstrong while he was having chemo treatments. On September 13, 1974, the son he never had was born. Malyn affectionately called his grandfather Pops and they went everywhere together. Jack carried Malyn on his back until he learned to walk. And as Malyn got older, Jack taught him how to ride a bike, use hand tools, drive a car. Jack called Malyn “Duke” and that was later changed to “Stretch” when Malyn continued to grow to 6'6”. Jack was also proud of his youngest grandson Kage who was born on June 20, 2006. His “little fella” had a comedic talent that Jack enjoyed. Every week Jack would say, “I need to go and see Kage so I can get a dose of chaos.” While Jack was in the hospital, his daughter and son-in-law came to visit while carrying a beautiful blonde haired, blue-eyed 18 month old baby girl. When he asked them who she was, they proudly replied, “She's going to be ours!” Jack although so very ill, wept for joy. His little Hailey always had a place on Pops' lap. In July of 2008, Jack came home from his normal 37 mile ride and said, “I'm so tired. I've never felt like this before.” And that was the beginning of a myriad of illnesses which began with his heart. During all this time, Jack met many physicians in Billings, Mayo Clinic, Houston DeBakey Clinic, Colorado Blood Cancer Institute. But he never gave up. Those out-of-town medical trips were Jack's early retirement and vacations and he looked forward to them. On January 23, 2012, Jack was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, six weeks after he had a defibrillator/pacemaker implanted. True to Jack's nature, he was so proud of all of the surgical scars on his body. He would say, “Guys like having scars on their body. They only wish those gnarly scars were on their faces.” Yes, Jack did think he was funny. Through these past several years of ups and downs, Jack with the help of his wife Lynda have reunited so many of his buddies through the website Caring Bridge. The Caring Bridge Guest Book contains numerous stories of this adventurous crew of friends and relatives. The recall of hilarious antics brought tears of joy to Jack's eyes during difficult times. The family is very appreciative of all of the time, energy, food, love and care which has been offered through the months. He was a strong man with a childlike demeanor. If anyone ever apologized to him, he would always say, “That's okay” and he never held a grudge. Kids and animals loved to hang around “Mr. Jack” especially the neighbor's Yellow Labrador friend, Moby-the-Dog. Sadly, Moby gave his life to save Jack from two attacking dogs. He treasured friendship and took to heart a sincere interest in his friends', families' and customers' lives. His sensitive and caring nature bonded with many through the years. Jack was also a constant presence at every dance recital and dance performance at Lynda's dance studio. The students will forever and always look up at Mr. Jack in the light booth. Sadly, Jack missed only one performance in 40 years and that was on June 8, 2013. No one who met Jack will ever forget him. Even when in pain, Jack enjoyed his life. He was a long time Mustang Baseball Booster, and he enjoyed watching his wife perform with the Calamity Jane Players; and every audience member could hear Jack's contagious and hearty laugh when Allen Peters and Todd Yeager waved the freaky flag on stage. He was also proud of his Irish heritage. Jack is survived by his daughter Kary McCleary Ottinger and Jack's best friend and beloved son-in-law, Matt; grandchildren Malyn, Kage and Hailey; brothers Bill (Glenda) of Prescott, AZ; Michael (Jackie) of Great Falls, MT; and sister Pattie McCleary Amestoy of Laurel, MT; grandchildren Malyn, Kage and Hailey; mother-in-law Patricia Bettise; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to list. His siblings, their families and the love have been the source of a strong McCleary Tradition. Every friend, cousin, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle and in-law meant the world to Jack. He was preceeded in death by his father William, mother Marie and brother Thomas. He was loved by so many and will be missed. The world is a better place because a man named Jack McCleary was here. A celebration of life will take place at the Elk's Club on August 16 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are being made by Dahl Funeral Chapel. www.dahlfuneralchapel.com. Donations may be made to the McCleary Cancer Fund at US Bank in Billings, Montana.