Ryan Thomas O'Leary
Ryan Thomas O'Leary
Dec. 1, 1977 – Nov. 14, 2023
In the late hours on November 14, 2023, Ryan O'Leary took his own life after suffering years of severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a 20-year Army career that multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His death represents a failure of a system that was supposed to care for and support him following his years of dedicated service to this country, and, despite their best efforts, a failure of his friends, family, and loved ones to convince him that he needed serious help. His death is also a reminder that there are thousands of Veterans who suffer every day and who need your help, and that we need to ensure resources are available for those suffering from mental health issues.
Ryan Thomas O'Leary was born December 1, 1977, in Havre, MT, to Randy and Pamela Salazar O'Leary while they attended Northern Montana College, and moved back home to Butte while he was a newborn. A firecracker from birth, he was a true Butte boy who was always ready to settle disputes in true Butte fashion: with his fists in the parking lot. During his youth he was a national BMX champion and could be found riding his bike with his brothers and friends all over "the Flats" and on the dirt trails near Father Sheehan Park on his way to or from Little League at Mile High. An early adopter of the rattail, some say he also introduced the word "rad" to the local lexicon before it went viral in the '80s. He was a Whittier elementary school standing long jump legend under the tutelage of Principal George Parrett, who also introduced Ryan to the paddle on more than one occasion.
He was an avid skier and could easily be spotted at Discovery or Big Sky in his neon jackets, sending it epically on whatever trail he would point his skis straight down, always while wearing his Bret "The Hitman" Hart-style wraparound shades that were considered legal tender in many parts of the Rockies. He attended both Butte Central and Butte High Schools, and graduated from Butte High in 1996.
His fighting spirit led him to enlist in the Army that same year, which led to a 20-plus year career serving his country around the globe, including nearly five years of his life in combat zones. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with five campaign stars.
Ryan's service to his country was truly indicative of his service above self. Despite the last few years of his obvious suffering, when he displayed classic signs of severe PTSD that were especially acute these past few months and weeks, deep down inside (and also in true Butte fashion) Ryan was a fighter not only for his country, but for his family and friends as well. He opened his home to strangers; cared for fellow Veterans, friends, and family members; always lent a helping hand; and truly would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. Though there is some solace knowing that he no longer suffers, he truly will be missed and our lives are a little less full without him.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Maximillian Salazar II (Navy Veteran) and Richard "Dick" O'Leary, Sr. (Air Force Veteran); his uncles and aunt: Steve Salazar (Air Force Veteran), Timothy Salazar, Mark Salazar (Army Veteran), Rick Michaelis, Faye Owens Salazar (Army Veteran), and Daniel Fawcett; and his cousins: Mikey Salazar, Bob Foster, baby Will Hollow, Markie Salazar (Army Veteran), Casey Boyle, and Koby Hawke.
He is survived by his mother and father, Randy and Pamela Salazar O'Leary; brothers: Eric (Army Veteran) and Sean; nephew, Gavin O'Leary; grandmothers: Virginia Salazar and Patricia O'Leary; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including his cousin, Chad O'Leary, a fellow retired Army Veteran and one of his closest friends and confidants.
Services will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Duggan Dolan Mortuary. Reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
In lieu of flowers, or any other gifts to the family, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, or any other Veterans service organization helping Veterans in need. Please also reach out to anyone you know who may be suffering from mental health issues, whether a Veteran or not, and offer a helping hand and show them that you care, like Ryan would. For those of us whom Ryan left behind, please forgive him, and we should pray that he forgives us as well.
Friends may call on Saturday after 10:00 a.m. in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.
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