William Leon Daly

William (Bill) Leon Daly

March 31, 1929 – Aug. 4, 2022

LANCASTER, CA - At 93 years old, William (Bill) Leon Daly passed away on August 4, 2022, in Lancaster, CA, with his son Jeff by his side.

Bill was born in March, 1929, in Great Falls, MT. Bill attended Catholic school and at 16 forged his papers to join the Navy. He served in the Korean War, and was proud to be a Veteran. Bill met his wife, Mary Ann, through his sister Mary. Six months later they married in Fort Benton and honeymooned at Glacier National Park. They were married for 67 years, and had four kids.

Bill was a career truck driver and after almost dying in a movie-like crash, went on to safely drive a million miles. Bill and Mary moved to Helena (Canyon Ferry Lake), MT, in 1992, and Bill retired two years later in 1994. He loved fishing, boating, and hunting. He could make a meal out of anything and loved to make beef jerky, which he sent to his kids and grandkids for many years. Bill would often be found tinkering around in his garage or mowing their five acres. They spent 30 years living in Canyon Ferry Lake surrounded by the best neighbors; like Tom who brought them their paper and mail every day for years and Richard and Dash who were always just a phone call away to help with anything. Bill loved his Budweiser, root beer, Werther's candy and gave the best bear hugs.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Daly; sister, Mary (Richard) Purnell; and his four children: Billy Daly, Jeff (Michelle) Daly, Patti (Pat) Presley and Scott Daly. Grandkids: Katie (Brian) Daly-Mnichowicz, Neil Daly, Tommy Daly, Eric (Amanda) Daly, Kevin Daly, Summer (Cody) MacDougall, and Patrick Presley. As well as nieces, nephews, and several great-grandchildren.