Terry “Otis” Lee Copenhaver passed away on February 13, 2025, on the eve of his 26th wedding anniversary, due to an unexpected illness. His wife, children, and the enormous love of family and friends surrounded him as he transitioned to his next journey. Terry’s gentle spirit and generous nature have forever changed who we are and how we move through this life. Terry requested to be cremated, with his hiking boots on and that his ashes be spread in the mountains he hiked and backpacked over the years. His specific instructions for spreading his ashes were “walk softly and spread joyfully”.
True to character, Terry wrote his own obituary 14 years ago. The following is his unedited version:
Terry Lee Copenhaver passed on a cold day in January of 2024 from complications of heart disease.
Terry was born March 27, 1939, in Bozeman, Montana to Adrian (Sam) and Audra Tharp Copenhaver. Helena was his home for most of his life and he attended grade schools here. He graduated from Helena High School in 1957 and from Montana State University in 1963. Six months after his graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, taking basic training at Fort Ord in California and duty station at Fort Myer in Virginia. He served two years as a graphic artist at the Pentagon. In 1964, Terry married Doris E. Diveley of Great Falls, MT and they had three wonderful children – Trevor, Kirsten, and Dana. Terry worked 28 years as a draftsman and designer for the Montana Department of Transportation. He and Doris divorced in 1991 and he retired in 1993.
In 1995, Terry met his true love, Sharon Leshovsky Nickel and they were married February 14, 1999. This began a new chapter in Terry’s life. Together they started a new home, traveled frequently, and enjoyed hiking, biking, music, the arts, family, and friends. His classmates from HHS of 1957 were always near and dear to him as were Army buddies Charlie and Pete. Terry always enjoyed Montana and the outdoor recreation it offered. He “bagged” Granite Peak in 1963 with college friend Carl Rickabaugh. He was a Clancy Montana Volunteer Fireman for 20 years and a Helena area Habitat for Humanity volunteer for six years. His favorite pastimes were creating art and working with wood.
Terry is survived by his dear wife Shari and his children Trevor Copenhaver of San Diego, CA, Kirsten Copenhaver of Helena, MT, and Dana (Brian) Ellsworth of Spokane, WA as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Terry was preceded by his parents DUH? Cremation has taken place, bunions burned.
Wilkinson-Stevenson in charge, if still in business, otherwise dealer’s choice.
TLC” Dated 5/31/2011
In lieu of flowers, Terry requested donations be made to one or more of the following organizations: Clancy Volunteer Fire Department, Foundation For Animals, Montana Wilderness Association (aka Wild Montana), or Helena Area Habitat for Humanity.
Our family would like to acknowledge and thank his care team at St. Peter’s Hospital – you all were amazing!
A celebration of life for close friends and family will be scheduled for this summer.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Saundra Lowry says
Terry was a kind and gentle person and one would never know how multi talented he was by his humble behavior. I had the good fortune to know him through Trevor and understand now that Trevor is gifted in some of the same ways. I am sending loving thoughts to all of you now and in the days to come.
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
So sorry to hear about Terry. We both worked with him at MDT. What a great man. RIP Terry.
Pamela Hicks says
I had the pleasure of knowing Terry thru his wife Shari. She is my mom’s friend from high school and very dear to our family. When they met and got married you could tell they were soul mates and meant for each other. Thank you Terry for being such a kind, caring, gracious and loving person and for loving our Shari so well! You were so kind to me and my girls. We always enjoyed that you also signed and made a note in the cards you and Shari sent over the years. Good bless you. Shari we love you!
John Ulberg says
I met Terry in 1961, when delivering the IR newspaper to his folks.When he answered the door I was
takken aback by such a muscled man being so soft spoken. He never changed from being a soft spoken
gentleman of many talents. In recent years Terry and mutual friends shared good times talking art and
painting. I admired his talent and treasured his kind critiques.
Rest well, gentle man.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Dear Shari,
We are so sorry to learn of Terrys passing. He was such a kind, gentle soul. We send our sincere condolences as you adjust to the days ahead. You’re in our prayers.
Tom and Judy
Terry Beaver says
Terry,
I was a close friend of Terry in Central school and Helena Junior High . Terry was an excellent student even though the rest of us didn’t follow in his footsteps until much later. We spent many days playing corkball and basketball in Jay Retz’ backyard with Jay, George Knop, and Pete Carkulis.
As I returned from college, Terry and I didn’t cross paths in our lives while we pursued different careers. As a teacher of Genetics, I always referred the Norwegian dominant alleles Terry expressed, with his blessing.
Terry was forever a Gentleman to be emulated.
“Good by” good friend, from our childhood.
Patsy Culver says
I was saddened by Terry’s passing but if we could all live such a beautiful, kind, compassionate life.
Rebeccah Ellsworth Akpan says
My sister in law, Dana, (Terry’s daughter) let me know her Dad had ‘spread his wings’ the morning of February 13th. I liked that phrase, knowing of Terry’s love for nature. I want to believe he is experiencing an even closer oneness now. What a bright, deep souled gentleman. Prayers are going out to his awesome children, wife, family & friends-as you/we attempt to fill the void we’re feeling with great memories of this wonderful Montana man.
Jerry Sullivan says
Terry and I shared many hiking trips over the years. Johnson Lake, Rainbow Lake, Edith Lake, Our Lake and of course Heart Lake to name some. Terry’s excitement and enthusiasm to be out on the trail was always evident. No matter the length or difficulty of the trip, he was always ready to put on his boots and take up the task. Thoughtful talks around the campfire coupled with shared meals after a long hike and a restful sleep made for almost perfect days.
Terry was an exceptional artist always generous with sharing. He gifted to us several paintings of scenes around Philipsburg. He painted beautifully old buildings, ranch sites and old cars. His paintings capture the effect of time and each a sign of growth and loss alike.
Terry did a painting for me of the Granite Mountain Mine in Butte. The painstaking accuracy and final product came from hours of research and visits to the site. The perspective taken in the painting could only be made by climbing down into the Pit, uninvited, and climbing back out. We will always cherish the work.
Terry was a gifted woodworker. He took great pride in the remodeling of his home as a gift to his family. He remained very interested in woodworking and encouraged me to take up the hobby.
Of all the gifts and strength that Terry gave, none equalled his love for his children. In all things, they were the top of his concerns. The quality above all others that Terry possessed was that he was a good father.
Go ndéana Dia trocaire air.
Jerry
Dean Retz says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of “Otis”. He was in all the same grades of my brother, so I first met Otis when I was very young. He was always Otis to the Retz families! GOD BLESS.
Susan and Robert Russell says
We met Terry about 30 years ago when he rebuilt a gate in a neighbor’s yard so her dog couldn’t get out. Terry lived the words of the song “Lean on Me.” “…just call on me, brother, when you need a hand….” He and Shari have been loving and supportive friends to a whole lot of people over the years, and we count ourselves lucky to be part of that circle. We’ll miss his quiet kindness, playful sense of humor and the constancy of his friendship.
Judy/Mike Trevor says
We have known Terry since coming here 50 years ago His gentleness, strength and artistic talents were admirable. We backpacked with he and Doris. I liked that he and Shari read books outloud together Hard to see an old friend pass God Bless.
Kathy Chambers says
Dear Shari,
We just learned of Terry’s passing and are deeply sorry for your loss. You two were so very special together! What a wonderful colleague, friend, and good man. Sending you prayers for comforting memories and peace.
Allen and Kathy Chambers
Robert Guerra says
Trevor. I have no idea how your father’s obituary appeared on my phone, but it has. I often remember you mentioning your dad in conversation so so many years ago. The loss of a parent (parents) changes something in a man. Something in the soul is tweaked a bit. It goes beyond so many different feelings. For me, it’s a feeling of such aloneness. It is so true. You never fully appreciate a father until they are gone. Be well my friend. Be well always. Warmest regards-Bob Guerra- 2402-30th St. San Diego California 92104 619-677-8906