Robert Freeman Leary

Robert F. Leary passed away peacefully on June 25, 2009 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Bob was born in Seattle on August 4, 1929 to Daniel and Karen Blekum Leary. He was raised in the Ballard area with his two brothers by their mother Karen, after his father's untimely passing when Bob was only six years old.

Going to work at Associated Grocers at age 16 he became a 46 year member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union. He also worked at the Belnap Glass Co. and Lasaster Trucking where he retired in June of 1991. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing from a young age and raised his boys to enjoy the same.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley, his son John, his brothers Danny, and Tom Leary Sr. and grandson Kevin Bulson.

Bob is survived by his three sons: Robert, Thomas and Shawn Leary and his daughter Jackie Leary Bulson; several grand children and great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Helen Leary.

Bob's yard was his pride and joy and he kept it up beautifully until he no longer physically could. He was grateful to his niece Pamela Leary Wilson and nephew T.R Leary, Jr. for taking care of his affairs and for the up keep of his yard the last few years of his life. He was an avid reader and loved to sit there and admire the view and sunsets from his big picture window.

As per Bob's wishes his beautiful Edmonds property is being donated to Snohomish County Parks Department to become "The Robert F. Leary Neighborhood Park."

The Leary family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors of Steven's Hospital, The Richmond Beach Rehab Center for all their care.

A very special thanks to Bob's Primary caretaker Art Durand and the entire Visiting Angels Team!