Kirby M Leary II was born Nov. 18, 1939, 2nd child to parents Kirby M Leary Sr & Rosena Schulenberg Leary.. He has 2 brothers and 3 sisters, Peggy Leary-Kirby(John) of OK, brothers, Chet Leary (Carol) of OR, Perr Leary (Sherry) of Forsyth, sisters, Margie Jo Leary- Waples of VA and Velma “Breezy” Leary-Grba (Charlie) of FL and Ecuador.
Numerous nieces and nephews all over the place.
Born into the Leary and Schulenberg familes, there were a lot of relatives.
LARGE & LOUD was Kirby’s life so I will do my best to cover a little of it, as being the youngest I do not know ALL of the dirt and scandal there is know, but please, anyone willing to write it down and send it, it would be most appreciated.
Kirby’s nickname was “Nebraska Moose” when he was driving truck, and probably was shorten to “Moose” among other names.
Kirby was married 3 times..
1st wife Cynthia Wise of Roundup, 2 daughters Kayona of WA and Blake of OR who he doesn’t know much about . 2 grandsons
2nd wife Bernadene (Bernie) Corbett of WY, a daughter Deborah Rene’ who died at 10 days old.
3rd wife Carolyn Zepp of ND, Kirby adopted her 2 children Duane of WY and Laura (John) of NM and together they had Kirby M Leary III (aka Tuner) wife Angie, WY his 2 sons and a great grand daughter (I do not have a count of the grand kids and great grand kids)
After each wife would passed I would tell him of their passing and he would say, “Wow, I outlived all 3 of them”. Kirby and I had many many phone calls, and I would visit him in MT at least once a year. A couple of years ago, we went to a class reunion in Forsyth, it was good for him to see people that he had not seen in a long time.
If you knew Kirby, you knew he was a good person, but very hard to understand sometimes. Kirby worked the oil fields early on for many years. He worked hard, and was one of the best semi truck drivers around. He could drive anything anywhere he was asked or needed too. A hard worker, he always was.
He was in his share (putting it mildly) of brawls, I know he was banned from many places as once he “struck”, usually that person didn’t know what hit them. If he had your back, it was a good thing!!!!
He loved new and fast cars..I remember quite of few of them.
He had a lot of good friends in Forsyth, Salty Eli & Dynamite Dick, just to name a couple. He had friends , especially from trucking, all over the US. Kirby lived a lot of his life in WY and NE and then back to MT where he started from. His mind was good up until the end. We would love to hear ALL the stories about him and I am sure his son Kirby would.
To say he lived his life “colorful” is an understatement. He made as many people mad as he made happy.
He lived life on ‘his’ terms until his health prevented it and he was in the nursing home, but, he was Large & Loud in the nursing home… It is very sad to see someone that was in control of his life, to become dependent on others, not exactly Kirby’s way. I want to thank each and everyone of the Nurses and CNA’s and the nursing home and the hospital when he was in there. You are all a special group of people who help him and dealt with him…Thank you.
A Grave side memorial is planned at a later date (couple weeks or less) to be announced and hope those who would like to attend, will. Thank you.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 8, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Thursday September 9, 2021
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Lynnettewatson says
Sorry to hear about Kirby.he is going to be missed.
Bobbi Vannattan says
My family was so sad to hear the loss of Kirby. He was a fixture in our lives since we were kids. He was big and scary and really kind to many of us. I pray that he is resting peacefully now and that you find comfort in that.
bobbi ashlee paden thomas
Laurie VanDewerker says
So sorry he hear of Kirby’s passing.
He and Verle and I had lots of love for this big man!
Donna McAllister Deisher says
So sorry to learn about Kirby passing away. He was always larger than life to me. If it was on his mind, he wasn’t shy about telling you. I was friends with Margie and so enjoyed their family. Rose was friends with my Great Uncle and their Montana rocks. Please accept my thoughts and prayers and hope your memories of Kirby help comfort you.
Rita and Bill FitzGerald says
Runner, Bill and I send our live!! Your Dad is out of his misery, no more pain! You are his legacy and a great tribute! To Kirby’s family, all our prayers for your days to come getting through this time! Lots of stories go back and forth about Kirby bring chuckles. He was quite a guy!
Pam and Tim Cox says
Tuner, and all of Kirby’s family: Tim and I send our condolences. Kirby was a legend, with a big heart and a temper to match. He was a hard worker, good friend, and neighbor. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Keep the good memories.
Arn Anderson says
I am gonna miss the Nebraska Moose. He had the temper of a hungry Wolverine in a snow storm. He was no stranger to a ham sandwich. He was a hard worker. RIP you big old moose
Jim Shrimplin says
Sorry to hear Kirby passed away, he fought a gallant battle. Glad to get to see Kirby before the virus. Many good memories over the years.
Scott moore says
He was my big Irish friend, who should me how to shift a 13 speed & he called me little budy & I was 5,10 go figure!, I will never forget moose Leary, my friend!