John W. McLeod

John W. McLeod, age 48, of Opheim, Mont., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in the wonderful care of the staff of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Mont. He fought a brave battle against an aggressive form of lung cancer.

A memorial service will be held to remember John's life at the Opheim School on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.

He was born on June 18, 1969, to Bill and Pat (Duffy) McLeod in Seattle, Wash. He grew up in the shadows of the Cascade Range and had many great memories of biking the trails with his brother. He graduated from high school at Monroe, Wash., and soon came to Northeast Montana.

He enjoyed working a number of jobs, including stints in the bakery, printing at the Courier, the St. Marie Water District and in the maintenance department at FMDH. Then he found his passion at the Opheim School. The work was long and required him to get certified to operate a boiler, but he enjoyed going to work every day. He loved his job and the students. Go Vikings!

In July, he was diagnosed with a rapid and aggressive form of lung cancer. The cancer soon spread and eventually led to his death. He fought bravely and always kept a positive outlook. His family wishes to publicly thank the amazing staff of dedicated medical professionals who helped his last days to be well remembered.

He was preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Survivors include his parents, Bill and Pat McLeod of Glasgow; a brother, Ken of Monroe, Wash .; and his life partner, Suzi Kirby of Opheim.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the FMDH Foundation or the Opheim School District #9D.