One of Helena’s great characters, Peter William Sullivan, passed away on November 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Peter was born in 1935 in the kitchen of the family ranch in the Canton Valley, an area that was later flooded to create Canyon Ferry Lake. The second of five children, Peter and his only brother, Larry, lived primarily in the bunkhouse with no electricity or running water, and learned early-on that cows and chickens do not take holidays or recognize weekends.
His Irish father and German mother encouraged Peter to enroll at Carroll College where he earned a degree in Business and Economics in 1957. Once he traded the ranch life for life in the Capital City, he never looked back. He began his career at the First National Bank with memorable duties like repossessing cars and loaning money to Big Dorothy for her little business up the Gulch. He also joined the Army Reserves serving 12 years and was discharged as a Captain in 1967.
In 1963 the eternal optimist opened his own business that later became Sullivan Financial Group. He loved his work and cherished his clients. He coined a motto in the 1970’s that delighted his family, though elementary school teachers were unimpressed when the Sullivan kids proudly brought pens to school adorned with the words “No B.S. from P.S.” Peter retired at the youthful age of 80 after qualifying for the Million Dollar Roundtable for more than forty years and being inducted into the ING Financial Partners Hall of Fame.
In early 1959, Peter met a darling Irish Catholic girl from Butte America by the name of Sheila Sullivan — no relation (as far as we know.) At the time, Sheila was visiting her mother while on a break from Catholic University where she was pursuing a master’s degree in theater. After only one date Sheila returned to Washington D.C. and a correspondence courtship began. The second time they met in person, Peter asked for Sheila’s hand in marriage. The third time was at their wedding on November 28, 1959. There must have been magic in those letters as Peter and Sheila enjoyed a deep love affair full of mutual admiration and genuine affection for fifty-one years.
After marriage, they immediately started a family having a half-dozen children in twelve years. Although Peter was busy growing his business, he rarely missed one of his children’s concerts, recitals, plays, or sporting events. Fortunately (or unfortunately) his enthusiastic cheering could slice through the roar of any crowd. He also volunteered for many years as the Hawthorne area Cub Scout Master, as well as a referee, timer and judge for numerous events. He had high expectations for all his children but even when they did not meet the mark, they felt his unconditional love and unwavering support. The children were encouraged to explore the world, and you could count on Sheila heading up a trip to visit with Porter Pete deftly on her heels. She did her part by gamely joining him on frequent ski trips and golf outings.
Peter and Sheila’s great love of Helena was evidenced by the time, talent, and financial contributions they poured into local charities and organizations. Peter was President of the Cathedral of St. Helena Parish Council, Helena Jaycees, the Helena Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Montana, Helena Ambassadors, Live at the Civic, Metropolitan Dinner Club, and the Helena Navy League. He was a dedicated member of the Helena Kiwanis, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was a founding member of The St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation Board and the Western Montana Catholic Foundation. In recognition of his dedication to the Helena community he received many accolades including the Helena Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year, Helena Community Foundation’s Spirit of Philanthropy, and most recently, flag honoree for the Old Glory Landmark.
As Sheila’s health deteriorated in the last few years of her life, she told everyone who would listen that Peter should not spend his final years alone. Her death in early 2011 left a huge hole in Peter’s big heart. Fortunately, near the end of that year, he met the irrepressible Barbara Harris, and a wonderful new chapter began. Two fun-loving extroverts, Peter and Barb rarely missed a community event. Among their favorite activities were Carroll College sporting events, concerts, plays, Kiwanis luncheons and Sunday Mass. And the summer was not complete without Peter conducting the Star-Spangled Banner at the Symphony Under the Stars. They enjoyed traveling, playing cards (except euchre) and dancing cheek to cheek. Peter was warmly welcomed by Barb’s three sons and their families who readily accepted him into the Harris fold. After many valiant proposals from Peter, Barb agreed to marriage. Peter was forever smitten by the endearing love and support of his Barbara Rose.
Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Sullivan, his parents, Lawrence Daniel Sullivan and Marie Sullivan (nee Meyers), his brother Larry Sullivan, his brothers-in-law Robert Masolo and Marvin Love, and sisters-in-law Louise Sullivan and Joan Farmin, and granddaughter Mary Marsden Sullivan.
Peter is survived by his second wife Barbara Harris, sisters Mary Pat Sullivan, Gay Ann Masolo, and Terry Love, as well as his children Jimmer (Brigid) Sullivan, Margaret “Peggy” Sullivan, ReNell (Jeff) Gradeck, Peter Daniel (Sarah) Sullivan, Shawn (Sunde) Sullivan, and Erin Sullivan. His grandchildren include Connor (Theresa) Sullivan, Logan Sullivan, and Mollie Sullivan. Amanda (Damon) Bateson, Meghan (Wade Harper) Rucka, and Nicole Rucka. Samuel Sullivan, Luke Sullivan, and Kate “The Great” Sullivan. Peter’s Great grandchildren are Charlotte and Madeline Bateson and Danika and Mary Sullivan. Barb’s children are Mark (Kelly Griffin) Harris, Kyle Harris, David (Heather) Harris as well as grandchildren Hannah Elz, Tyler Harris, Otto Harris, and Chick Harris and great grandchildren Annalise and Robert Elz. Peter enjoyed many wonderful surviving nieces and nephews as well.
The family would like to thank the outstanding CNAs, RNs and doctors at St. Peter’s Hospital for providing Peter with caring support and dignity in his final days.
Known to his family as Mr. Helena, Peter would be humbled if you’d like to select one of your favorite local charities to donate in his honor. If finances are tight, he’d be equally tickled if you picked up some litter on your next walk.
Visitation is set from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance Service at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Helena followed by a reception at the Green Meadow Country Club. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery on December 11, 2025.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday December 10, 2025
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Thursday December 11, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday December 10, 2025
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Thursday December 11, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Rosie Strope says
Thinking of you all in the loss of your father. You had the best of parents as you well know, I think. I so appreciate the involvement of Pete and Sheila in our lives as well as the many others they touched. We were blessed.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Peter will certainly be missed. He was a tremendous asset to our community, truly a fine gentleman. We so enjoyed our association with him through Kiwanis, Hometown Helena and the Helena Symphony. We are better people for having known Peter.
Goose and Jan Gregson says
What a character is missing from our lives…. Peter, thank you for your wit, humor, friendship, and kindness…. we are forever grateful to have had you and Barbara as our neighbors for so long…rest in beautiful peace and know the legacy you left us with. A legacy that definitely keeps us on our toes! We miss you. To Barb her family and Peters family, our most heartfelt condolences to you all. Sending all our lve and hope that your memories bring you peace!
Joe/Karolyne Redding says
Sullivan family, so sorry for your loss. He leaves behind a big hole in the community.
Cathy Burwell says
There has never been anyone more dedicated to his community. Peter will always be someone very special to me. He did so much for the Helena Chamber and for me. Supported so many organizations! He was such a “get it done” guy and took the reins of many projects and made them successful. Love to all of his family – he will be missed by so many.
Redge Meierhenry says
Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.
Carol Ann Christnacht says
Mr. Sullivan was always so pleasant and interested in whatever you were up to. He had a memory that was amazing. I was one of the swimmers that swam with his family. I have so many fond memories of having him and Mrs. Sullivan around during the meets.
Hugs to the family!
Kori R Dee says
May Peter RIP as he passes from this world to his heavenly home. A gentleman, a faith-filled man, a teacher by showing us all how to live a life following Jesus’ teachings. Lifting all family up in my prayers.
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry about Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Don and Donna Paul says
The Sullivan family may have lost their patriarch, but his legacy will continue through the acts of his children and grandchildren. He has passed on the true meaning of helping others no matter the circumstances and will always be remembered for his acts of kindness (and his hardy laugh).
Margaret Woo says
Dear Barb and the entire Sullivan family,
We are all mourning the loss of a great man. Beneath that sometimes curmudgeonly exterior was a man with the biggest heart in the world. I will miss seeing him at so many community events. He truly lifted up the Helena area with his kindness and generousity. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Rick Ahmann says
Dear Sullivan Family,
Peter was the definition of Helena’s faithful, and especially a St. Helena’s faithful. I’ve spent my life watching this stalwart of a man as he showed up everywhere. At the age of 87, he was still making “marketing calls” by delivering calendars to businesses in the downtown area. In the past months, it was his steady attendance of Mass at the Cathedral. He always shared a smile, word of encouragement and firm handshake. Oh, how I will miss that. May others who have seen the same work to pickup that same mantle. May you – his family – be blessed with fond memories and great stories. And may Peter Rest in Peace.
Nancy Burnham says
Lots of special memories!!
Ross Cannon says
My deepest sympathy to the Sullivan family. Peter was a gentleman in the true sense of the word and a role model in terms of his endless volunteer service to the Helena community. He will be greatly missed.
Will Israel says
Peter was a great man with a fantastic sense of humor. He was always very humble and quick with a joke. I came to know Peter briefly at Trademark during monthly visits to spend time with veterans. Though I didn’t know him nearly as well as family and friends, what I did come to understand was that he raised a fantastic family, selflessly served his country – community with honor, and created a beautiful legacy during his lifetime. God be with you until we meet again sir.
Josh Turner says
My deepest sympathy to all of the Sullivan family. Peggy was one of the very first people I met when I moved to Helena in 1983. She quickly introduced me to her dad, and he took me under his wing, always looking out for my best interests and offering fatherly advice, whether I wanted it or not. I am blessed to have known and admired him for all the years since. My heart is broken, and I weep with you.
Jim and Ginni Reynolds says
We are thinking of you, Pete. You were the consummate financial adviser who became a friend. You brought your great sense of humor with you wherever you went, and we will be seeing you in all the old familar places including those wonderful musical soirées. Helena has lost one of its best.
Our deep condolences to the Sullivan family.
Pat / Diane Dwyer says
We loved Peter. He was very caring and always interested in whatever we were doing. We were fortunate to travel on a trip with him and his wife. It was a lot of fun. We were lucky to know him! May his memory be eternal.
Cathy Quinones says
What an amazing human being. He was a great example for many of us who were privileged to know him and his family and friends. It was always a good time when he was around sharing his lovely smile. He will be missed, but never forgotten. My prayers are with his family.
Lori and Dick Schultz says
Peter Dan, Sean and family, We first met Peter and Sheila 50 plus years ago at the Cathedral. I got to know both of them much better when our business and Peters were on the gulch for so many years . He was a great friend and we will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with you all. Dick and Lori Schultz
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Dan, Jimmer and family:
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was an awesome person. Wanda first met him as her mom’s financial advisor and her mom had a lot of respect for him and appreciated the help and advice he gave her mom. Steve remembers seeing him at a lot of community functions. He always had such a great positive attitude. He was a great man. It is great that he lived a happy and fulfilling life. He helped a lot of people in our community. Steve & Wanda Arlint
Linda Hebard says
Dan and Family –
Sending my sincere sympathies to you and your entire family.
I am so honored to have met him and share some smiles at my Dad’s funeral. Truly a good soul. I like his laugh!
As we have discussed, it is chapter in our lives we do not want to endure. I wish you peace during the sad days to follow.
Thinking of you – Linda
Elizabeth Rivard says
I’m very sorry for your loss, Dan and the rest of the Sullivan family. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Peter senior. It sounds like he was quite a wonderful man.
Mike Harvey says
Dan and family, we offer our sincerest sympathy for the passing of a special human being. He was a community icon. A Helena loyalist in every sense. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way. His memory will live on through you. Your friends and neighbors, Mike and Lisa Harvey and family
Ed & Joanna Thamke says
Peace be with you and may memories of a life well lived provide comfort now, and in the future.
Talia Knudsen says
Sullivan Family-
Deepest condolences to your family from ours. You are in our thoughts and prayers as your family and the entire Helena community comprehend the loss of your father. Please take care of each other.
Susie Fergerson Wong says
Our Dear Sullivan Family,
We are sorry to learn of Peter’s passing( still Mr. Sullivan to us in our minds). There are so many fond memories of the Washington Place tribe and years later the times at Reeders Village. He will be missed.
All of us have you in our thoughts!
Much Love,
Carol, Susie , Chuck and Annie
Doris Elizabeth copenhaver says
Barb and family of Peter
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Peter was a special man and I will miss my man hugs.
Love and blessings to you all.
We have lost a giant of a man.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Pete was a friend for many years and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family 🙏🙏🙏
Marjorie MCNellis says
I am so sorry to read about Peter’s passing. He is dancing with Sheila in the field of flowers. He was a good man who helped many people.
Lyle and Diane Person says
One of a kind for sure. Had the ability to make you feel from day one that you were his best friend. We will miss his good natured banter! Praying for you Barb and family.
Kevin Bartsch says
What a treasure to not only anyone who ever encountered him, but to the entire Helena community Pete Sullivan was. My parents developed friendship with Pete and Sheila through Jaycees as they did many other lifelong friends. As a kid I recall times when Pete came over for an evening business meeting with my parents regarding their insurance or investment needs. He was absolutely all business! A quick greeting and nothing but focus until his clients’ needs were addressed. Then there would be time to chat! Always sharply dressed as well. What any icon! Definitely a life well lived and now reunited with Sheila. Condolences to the entire Sullivan family.
Mary Kay Bennett says
To Barb and all the Sullivan family:
So many memories crossed my mind as I read Peter’s obituary, mainly Kiwanis events, skiing at Belmont (the Great Divide later on),supporting our children at Hawthorne School,
and so many community events with Pete in his red coat.
He was blessed to be loved by two great women in his life. I loved them all. I will miss him.
I am so sorry. Mary Kay
Darien G Scott says
Dear Barb and the entire Sullivan family. Peter was an extraordinary person. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have called him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leslie Strope says
Peter Sullivan was the absolute classic example of a great man. I am so sorry for the entire Sullivan clan. What a legacy he left! Somehow, Pete and Sheila had that amazing sense of humor and the very contagious laugh. Thankfully, that was passed on to the Sullivans I grew up with. One thing for sure, he will never be forgotten and maybe laughing in Heaven about all the fuss over his funeral.
Joy Novota says
To the Sullivan Family – There will be a large void in our community without Peter Sullivan. And there will be a personal void for us because we had such a great relationship & friendship for over 40 years together. That can’t be replaced. We are sorry that his final days were filled with discomfort & pain – that’s not fair after the active life of 90 years. However, when he stepped over that line into the Heavenly Gates, he was likely dancing to the music!! We shall miss him so much. Our thoughts are with all of the family members…. Gary & Joy ~*~
Kathy Brink says
Barb,
Peter was a wonderful man, and I am so happy we had the privilege to know him and spend some time with you and Peter. Look forward to seeing you for Christmas…
Sharon Pelletier says
Peter shared in many ways. But in my mind… he will always be the nice gentleman who would come to YWCA and donate reading materials like reader’s digest, daily affirmations, and sometimes game books. I knew him as Dans father, but also a strong presence who every once in a while would smile and crack a small joke. Thank you sir!
Becky Piske says
Peter always brought a smile.
Lois Steinbeck says
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Peter while visiting my mother at Touchmark. To use a phrase from their generation – what a whipper snapper. He was delightful and I greatly appreciated his business philosophy and community service. He left an indelible impression on me even though we only spoke a few times. It was a blessing to meet him. When I think of Peter I smile! .
John Cech says
Peter Sullivan was a true pillar of our Helena community, and Carroll College was proud to point to him as an outstanding and generous alumnus. Victoria and I will miss his laugh and his warm and outgoing personality. Barbara, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family and Peter’s family. — Dr. John Cech and Victoria Cech
Mary and Kurt Werner says
What an honor to know Peter! Even adults have role models and he was certainly one of ours.
Mary and Kurt Werner
Terri John says
Like in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, one person can make a huge difference in a community and Pete Sullivan was like that for Helena. He showed up in support for others in so many ways. I remember how he took a Qigong class with his wife Sheila when she was exploring a variety of healing modalities during her cancer treatment. Even though it might not have been a personal interest of his, he was there with her every step of the way. He remained open and curious throughout his life, a wonderful example of how to live! Blessings to all his beloveds, may you feel his loving and supportive presence still near you.
Michele Steele says
Peter was a giver and an encourager. Not a pretentious bone in his body. Fun loving, generous and smart. Always holding others up and never putting anyone down. I knew him first from his work in the Helena community and then later as someone who loved to join group fitness classes with his sweetheart, Barb. I was fortunate enough to lead him , Barb and others in exercise las he was a very active senior. I was blessed to know him in both environments and he inspired everyone around him. Right up to the very last day that I saw him. Always bringing his best foot forward and on Monday wearing his bright blue Kiwanis shirt ready to go to the meeting later in the day. It’s not often that we encountered someone as genuine as Peter Sullivan. And I am very glad that I fortunate enough to know. him. Prayers Of comfort being said and he is already missed.
Michele Steele
Janet Hedges says
Barb, Dan and family,
I was sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. He was a friendly face at all of the functions I attended. When Barb came into the picture I was thrilled for both of them and now there were two friendly faces wherever I went. He will be missed but not forgotten. Sending condolences and hugs to all of you!