Leo Arvish

Leo Arvish

Leo Arvish passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer, which he had been fighting since 2020. He faced his illness the same way he faced life—with quiet determination, resilience, and remarkable strength—fighting to remain with his family for as long as he could. Born to Bernard and Louise Arvish and raised in Anaconda, Montana, Leo developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors at an early age. Surrounded by Montana’s rugged landscape, he learned to hunt, fish, and trap alongside his siblings—traditions that became lifelong passions.

From an early age, Leo carried the build and presence of a rugged mountain man. Broad-shouldered and strong from years of hard work, he seemed naturally at home in the outdoors. His hands were rough and calloused from working hard, and his steady stance and quiet strength reflected a man shaped by the mountains themselves.

Leo had a deep passion not only for being in nature, but for capturing it. He loved photographing wildlife and landscapes, often going to remarkable lengths for the perfect shot. Family and friends remember his stories of carefully edging toward steep cliffs and rugged ledges to photograph mountain goats and other wildlife, patiently waiting for the moment when nature revealed itself through his lens.

Leo shared a life full of love, companionship, and adventure with his wife, Ruth Anderson. Together they enjoyed camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, as well as quieter moments—sharing dinners, sitting on the veranda, and watching sunsets together. His love for Ruth remained unwavering throughout his life.

He was a proud father to Jeremiah Arvish and Jeremiah’s wife, Brittany, and a loving grandfather to their son Clay, while joyfully anticipating the arrival of their daughter this April. He was also father to Sean Arvish, whom he adopted during a previous marriage. Sean’s wife Monica and children—Gage, Sean, and Adriana—also survive him.

Through his marriage to Ruth, Leo was a father figure to Mike Lathrope and Melissa Lathrope. Mike’s children, Gavin and Kitana, and Melissa’s children, Michaela and Paxton, are also among those who survive him.

Leo is also survived by his siblings: Ellen Arvish; Rich Arvish and his wife Nola; Rosemary McManara and her husband Greg; Mike Arvish and his wife Terry; and John Arvish and his husband Troy. He shared many treasured memories with his family hunting at sunrise, hiking wooded trails, fishing quiet waters, and trapping together through the seasons.

Though a reserved man, Leo’s life spoke through his resilience, his deep connection to nature, and the steadfast love he carried for his wife and family.

Special thanks to Dr. Hueftle, nurses and all of the care team that took great care of Leo. 

A celebration of Leo’s life will be held at a later date.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home have been privileged to care for Leo and his family.