Richard "Dick" Lease

Richard “Dick” Lease passed away peacefully at his home on January 11, 2026 at the age of 88. He lived a long and good life with his beloved wife Carol Lease for over 69 years. He leaves behind many dogs that will miss his smile and treats. There will be many looking forward to spending time with him in Heaven.

Born on December 27, 1937 in Great Falls MT, he grew up in Fairfield Montana where his parents owned Lease’s Café. He was a Boy Scout, a baseball player, and had a love for airplanes and cars. He played the trumpet in the pep band and the Fairfield Eagles marching band, which marched in the Portland Rose Festival Parade in 1954. He would play Taps for the American Legion at military funerals in Fairfield and Great Falls.

Richard worked in the grocery industry for over 37 years, opening the Bozeman Buttery Foods in 1960. His career with Buttery Foods took him and his family to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Yakima, Washington; and back to Bozeman, Montana in 1970. He finished his career with Buttery Foods and Albertsons, retiring at the age of 55.

Retirement started a life of RV traveling with Carol. They enjoyed snowbirding to the Southwest annually for over 25 years. Their travels took them to all four corners of the United States, including trips to Mazatlán, Mexico and Alaska.

He was an extreme sports enthusiast, enjoying snowmobiling, dirt biking, water sports, cross country skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.

Richard is survived by his wife Carol Lease, son Scott (Jackie) Lease, daughter Rae Lynn (Bill) Grout; grandchildren Colter Lease, (Hali Camper), Steven Shyne, (John Leone), Holly Olsen, Regie Lease, (Ranee Carlson), Kendra Lease, (Jeramy Marx), Hannah Grout; and great-grandchildren; Isabelle, Tyler, Ben, Alex, Nora.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarance and Marian Lease, his son, Jeffrey Lease, and his sister, Georgia Trueblood.

Richard loved life and was admired by many as a great man. People liked him, and dogs loved him. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.