Lenard “Lenny” Geary

Lenny was born on March 6, 1974, in Los Angeles, California.

Lenny had an energy and charisma that could light up any room. He loved music and considered himself an original punk-rock skinhead. Lenny worked at the Govannon Studios tattoo shop in Idaho Falls. He loved a good prank and looked for opportunities to laugh with his co-workers on a regular basis. Lenny’s creativity, unique style, and zest for life was contagious. He shared openly about his experiences in hopes to help others. We believe Lenny would want us to continue that legacy.

Lenny’s parents struggled with addiction. He was introduced to gang life when he was young, and he spent his childhood in and out of foster care. Lenny was living on the streets of Los Angeles by the time he was thirteen years old. Gang life was a natural progression for Lenny. He shared, “I was a soldier. I put in work for my gang, and never even considered that there was a God. I thought believing in God was a weakness. Crime, violence, and dishonesty were a way of life for me.” Lenny struggled with an addiction to alcohol and became addicted to heroin when he was young.

Lenny fell in love with Idaho Falls and moved because he wanted something different. He shared, “I noticed the genuine goodness of the people in Idaho Falls right away and knew this was my chance to build a better life.”

Lenny spent time in prison; that’s where he found God. He shared, “They locked me up in Idaho Falls and I thought I would get sick coming off the drugs. I started reading the Bible and Book of Mormon just to keep my mind off getting sick. I wasn’t a believer, but I needed something to focus on.”

Lenny read a scripture in the Book of Mormon from 2 Nephi: “And he inviteth all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remember the heathen; and all are alike unto God.”

When Lenny got out of jail, he sent a message to the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and told them he wanted to get baptized. He said, “Some of my friends told me I was crazy. The church wouldn’t want a guy like me. Who cares what people say! I’ve always been stubborn. People called me a Jesus Freak. I don’t care! I’m okay being stubborn for God.”

Lenny’s journey wasn’t easy. “It took a while to get baptized,” he shared. “That’s when I found out that no doesn’t always mean no, especially when it comes to God, no usually means not yet.”

The work Lenny did to prepare for baptism was sacred to him. He shared that he found out who he really was because of the love and fellowship of the people in the Ammon Ward. He loved spending time with the missionaries. “It was the happiest time of my life,” he said.

Lenny’s baptism affected people all around the world. A photo of Lenny in his white clothes in the baptismal font was shared on social media, and it inspired people everywhere. Lenny gives people hope.

Lenny never stopped fighting his addiction. When he relapsed, he put himself into treatment.

Lenny passed away on March 22, 2023. His cause of death has not been determined, but we know he is victorious through Christ. Lenny’s daughter, Shayla, shared that she believes her father is in a better place, and he will be able to support his children as he wanted to where he is now.

Lenny’s life was difficult, but there was a tenderness in Lenny that connected him to all of us. Lenny loved animals and children.

He is survived by his three children, Shayla Geary, Liam Geary, and Reagan Geary; and by friends and community that cannot be measured.

Govannon Studios is holding a Celebration of Life for Lenny at The Gem Venue, 216 1st Street, Idaho Falls, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life at 12 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Ammon Stake Center, 2055 S. Ammon Road, Ammon, Idaho, with a luncheon to follow at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome at the service and luncheon.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.