Terry passed away at Touchmark’s Memory Care on October 1, 2018. He was 86 years old, and he was ready to reunite with his loving wife, Dolores, and his son, Kurt. Cremation has taken place.
Terry was born in Great Falls on August 17, 1932. He and his mom, Rose Guidotti, lived with family in the small community of Black Eagle. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School where he played football and made lifelong friends. Working hard was a core value that Terry mastered at a young age. Straight out of high school, Terry went to work as a sheet metal fabricator for AT Klemens & Son in Great Falls. This was the start of his commitment and passion for the sheet metal trade. Not only did Terry enjoy working in the trade, but he also developed friendships with co-workers that withstood the test of time.
Terry joined the Army and served for two years during the Korean War. He returned from Korea uninjured, and went back to work for AT Klemens. The best part of Terry’s return was his marriage to Dolores Stenseth in 1956. Dolores was the love of Terry’s life, and they were blessed to have 55 years together packed full with five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They made an impressive team with Terry relentlessly working hard to support his family and Dolores doing the same at home.
Terry’s career in the sheet metal trade took an interesting turn in 1962 when he was working for the Reber Company and became responsible for designing the heating systems and supervising the sheet metal work performed on the Minuteman missile projects in South Dakota, North Dakota, California, Wyoming, and Massachusetts. He continued working in this area for over 10 years, and saw parts of the country he likely would not have otherwise visited. Terry worked for the last 11 years of his career as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Helena School District, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed his time with the school district, but he was a sheet metal worker and craftsman at heart. Long after his body quit cooperating, and he was unable to work in his shop, he always enjoyed talking with his kids and others about their jobs in construction, always giving advice and wishing he could be working right alongside them.
In 1978, Terry and Dolores moved their family to a beautiful area one mile above Marysville towards the Great Divide ski area. Terry loved everything about his home, from the beautiful trees, to the pond, to caring for his lawn, and time in his wood shop where he spent endless hours creating and building. After his retirement in 1994, Terry finally relaxed a little and caught many fish. The Smith River held a special place in Terry’s heart, and fly fishing from his float tube in various ponds around Montana with family and friends became Terry’s favorite pastime. He also spent a lot of quality time with his kids and grandkids, creating memories they will hold in their hearts forever.
Terry is survived by his sons Durk (Paula) Pipinich of Marysville; Clay (Colleen) Pipinich of Helena; Nick (Darcey) Pipinich of Marysville; and his daughter Tammy Pipinich (Steve Sandru) of Lincoln. Terry’s grandchildren are Cody (Brenna) Clark (kids MaKena and Kylee); Kori Ann (Jared) Keller; Dani and Jake Pipinich; Tyler (Jessica) Pipinich (kids McKenna, Alexa and Bridger); Clayleen, Coltan, and Tanlee Pipinich. Terry’s family would like to thank his close friend Lee Melcheski for providing Terry with company and support when he needed it most; Andrew Gilbert, M.D. and Compassus Hospice for their commitment to Terry’s comfort in the final months and days of his life; and finally an enormous thank you to the dedicated aides and nurses at Touchmark’s Memory Care. These wonderful individuals are caregivers in every sense of the word, all impressively compassionate and kind in a setting that can be very uplifting and rewarding, yet difficult and demanding.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Fort Harrison Service Club at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Terry are suggested to Montana Project Healing Waters, PO Box 1798, Helena, MT 59624 or to Compassus Hospice, 1075 Rodney St Ste 102, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Terry.
Tom Juhl says
My condolences to the Pipinich Family, Terry was a swell guy who I admired for many years. R.I.P. Terry…….
conrad clifford says
Terry was a close friend in would grade school and high school, a fellow football player at St Mary’s in Great Falls. We corresponded during his Korean Army service, and double dated when he returned. He was the Best Man for my wedding in 1955. We saw little of each other as our paths diverged, but I always knew when I would see him at reunions, he indeed did remain the best man.Aloha and Godspeed Terry
Linda C Daugherty says
Dear Tammy and the Pipinich family-
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad – Hopefully these words(not penned from me) will offer some comfort to you and your family.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “Come with me” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
John Beatty says
Terry was a great man. He was a terrific boss and good friend. He will be missed.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Tammy and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. I wish that all the memories you hold so close within your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. May our precious Lord and Savior wrap his loving arms around you and provide comfort and peace during this difficult time. You have my heartfelt prayers and sympathy.
Rhonda Robertson (formerly Rhonda Score)
Darlene Deichert says
Tammy and Family,
So sorry for the loss of “Daddy” I wish you all peace and comfort as you grieve. Thank you for sharing all the beautiful legacy and memories of him. He was a great man.
Sending all my love,
Darlene Deichert
Ike Stahmer says
Sorry for your loss Terry and my dad will meet up in heaven and have some good laughs and stories to reminisce about.
Bob Pancich says
My condolences to the Pipinich family. Terry was a neighbor in Black Eagle as we grew up on Colorado Ave. His Grandmother, Maggie, babysat us Pancich kids many weekends during bowling season when my parents would travel to bowling tournaments. He taught us to play football. He was very instrumental in helping my brother, Sandy, become a top flight sheet metal journeyman. I last visited with him at Sandy’s funeral in Black Eagle. He was a good friend and father and will be missed. May god bless you during this difficult time.
Tammy Pipinich says
Thank you all for the kind words. My dad was a very special man and will be greatly missed.
Kim says
My condolences to the Pipinich Family. So sorry for your loss, many thoughts and prayers to you all.
Kim