On a beautiful autumn afternoon, Terry Dagenais died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Helena, Montana, on June 28th, 1938, he was the only son of Perrin Joseph (Dice) Dagenais and Helen Madeline Kropp Burns. He was a proud graduate of Helena High School, Class of ‘57.
After graduation, Terry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began his service to his country. He was stationed for four years on Guam, where he worked primarily in the mail service. He made life-long buddies during his time overseas.
When he returned to Helena, he began working at the Smelter in East Helena. He told many stories about that time, working with Charlie Pride and enjoying listening to Charlie’s music. He next went to work in the Produce Department at Safeway, where he learned the grocery business. He became the Manager of Terry’s Town Pump on Montana Avenue, which led him to ownership of Terry’s Convenient Foods on Eleventh Avenue. He spent 35 years serving the community of Helena from his fine Deli and extensive wine offerings. He delivered groceries to elderly and home-bound customers, making sure that hard-to-open jars were loosened and perishables were put away properly. He employed many Helena youth at his store, teaching them business skills and showing them by example a strong work ethic and responsible citizenship.
Terry married Carol Jean Holdaway in 1962. They had two sons, Steven Paul and Michael Terry Dagenais. They were later divorced. In 1996 he married Carol Ann Graveley, gaining a bonus daughter, Dorrance (Davis) Firooznia. Terry and Carol Ann enjoyed traveling to cheer on their children and grandchildren as they participated in their various activities, from stock car racing to football and baseball, to gymnastics and road races.
From an early age, Terry loved many sports, competing in track and basketball. He enjoyed skiing, racquetball and running. His large collection of medals and awards in a testament to his dedication and determination to do his very best.
He was a faithful football fan for his home teams. He spent 30 years in the Vigilante Field press box, video-recording home football games for both the Bruins and the Bengals. He loved being a part of the action! He was a season-ticket holder for Carroll College Fighting Saints football home games. Go, CC!
Terry had a special love for children, treating his youngest customers with respect. He supported youth sports in Helena, sponsoring many teams over the years. Terry’s Convenient Foods donated to many organizations that worked to support the children and youth of our community. We will probably never know how much he did to help others in need. After retirement, he was a volunteer in his wife, Carol Ann’s, Montessori classroom at Smith School.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; his two sons. Steven and Michael Dagenais, of Helena; his bonus daughter, Dorrance Davis Firooznia (Dion) of Asheboro, NC; grandsons, Taylor Dagenais of Spokane, WA and Cody Woslager of Helena, MT; and granddaughters Nichole Dagenais of Seattle, WA and Michaela Dagenais of Bozeman, MT; sisters-in-law, Barbara Mackey (Lanny) of Rochester, WA, and Sara Margie Graveley of Helena; brother-in-law, John Graveley (Angela) of Mosely, VA; his former wife and partner in Terry’s Convenient Foods, Carol Jean Dagenais; step-mother, Phyllis Dagenais; cousin, Kitty Dagenais, as well as too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to list, and many dear friends.
Thank You to the wonderful nurses, physicians and staff at the VA Medical Center for your skilled and kind care of our Terry. You all have a huge place in our hearts!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Services celebrating Terry’s life will be held on Thursday, October 20th, at 12 Noon, at the Saint Helena Cathedral, 530 N Ewing Street, Helena, Montana, with a reception downstairs in the Brondel Center immediately following. Interment will be at 1pm, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana.
Memorials are suggested to Intermountain, 500 South Lamborn, Helena, Montana 59601, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12: 00 p.m
Thursday October 20, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday October 20, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12: 00 p.m
Thursday October 20, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday October 20, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
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Nickie Eck says
Carol,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Eric, Nickie and Evan Eck
Karen Bryson says
Carol,
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Terry took such great care of Michal all those years. He had a heart of gold. Thank you for taking Michal to see him at the VA.
Sincerely,
Karen Bryson
Chris and Larry Hoffman says
Mike, Carol and family,
Larry and I are sad to hear of TERRYS passing. We enjoyed knowing all of you and Terry’s smile and quick sense of humor was a joy!
God bless you! We ask that God keep you in His loving arms as you go through these difficult times!
Larry and Chris Hoffman
Darlene Miller Scott says
Carol, My sympathy and prayers are with you. May your many wonderful memories help to get you through this difficult time. Darlene Miller Scott
John Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏 Terry was a friend for over 50 years
Peg Hunter says
Carol, so sorry to hear of your beloved Terry’s death. Please know that friends near and far are holding you in the light.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Carol and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Terry was a kind, generous man, he gave so much to the Helena community. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kay Johnson says
Carol —
I’m so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved husband. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May your memories comfort you and help you to move forward, one day at a time.
Kay Johnson
Londa Burns says
Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jan Ryckman says
Carol snd Family
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was such a great guy with a sense of humor like none other. I loved going in the store and years later being your neighbor. He will be so missed by so many. Blessings!
Harry W. Child says
Rest In Peace my dear friend. You were the best in every area of life with a huge heart of gold.
Sara “Margie “ Graveley says
What do you say about a man who was loved by so many ?
My brother -in -law was the best .. witty .. supportive . and always up for a dollar bet when my Seahawks played his Lions. I hadn’t been to Mass in years and when he asked me to take him . I said “ Ter, the Cathedral might fall down if I walk in there” As he opened the door to the church he said to me “ Sara I feel a little shaking going on in here but let’s go!”
He was so good to my grandchildren always treating them like his own . We love you Terry . You will be missed ❤️
Sara Medley says
Carol,
I am so sorry. Terry was a remarkable man as many have said – truly beloved. So kind and generous to everyone. My husband thought the world of him too. He will be sorely missed.
With love,
Sara Medley
Colette Strizich says
Terry was an amazing person. We are so grateful that we have known him and have been able to share in life‘s journey with him and your entire family. We have many great memories spending time with all of you, and especially stopping at the convenience store for candy! We send our love and we send our gratitude for all the beautiful things that Terry did for so many people. We are especially grateful because he was such a dear friend to Dad. Sending each of you hugs!
Brent Silcox says
Carol, so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Terry’s warm smile and generous spirit.
Donna Coman says
Always a big smile on his face. That’s what I remember 🎱When I was going thru some hard times, Terry told me I could run a tab at the convenience store. I never took advantage of it but that’s the kind of man he was…
RIP, Terry. You will be missed..
Donna
Terry Cloud says
To the Dagenais Family:
So so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. My boys remember playing video games at the store. Mike always considered Terry as a very good and close friend. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Terry Cloud and Boys.
Jon Moe says
Terry…We have not crossed paths much in recent years and I am sorry about that. You were always a pleasure to visit with. You will be missed, my friend.
Michelle BORNINKHOF says
So sorry for you loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann Dagenais, LeRoy Dagenais and family, and Borninkhof Family
Michelle Borninkhof says
So sorry for you loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann and LeRoy Dagenais, Borninkhof Family
Sandi Meyers says
Terry was a wonderful, caring man. When I was a single mom and raising 2 little girls, years ago, I fell on some hard times. Terry came to my home a couple times with bags of food for my girls. He told me no child could go without! I have never forgotten the love and kindness he showed me for my girls. He was a wonderful man and will always hold a special place in my heart for the care he gave me and my girls. What an awesome man that all of the family can hold your heads high and say “Yes, that’s Terry”!! Always giving, caring, sharing!! Terry, may you Rest In Peace my friend!!
Tim Easton says
Mike and Steve.
So sorry for your loss. Have many fond memories of your Dad when he had the store. He was a Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan. I am a Yankees and Colts fan so we had lots to talk about. I considered him a good friend. He will be missed. God Speed Terry.
DEAN RETZ says
So many memories of Terry – from high school, to Terry’s Convenient when I moved back to Helena and worked at First Security Bank, then ran races with him for many years, as well as watching sons in sports. I am sorry that I was not able to see terry the last couple of years. GOD BLESS
Ed mcknight says
Ed mcknight
Reading these comments, the take-a-way, Terry was a very good person; I agree.
I, and two other Helena guys, went to Navy Boot Camp with him in July of 1957. I remember the first roll-call; “Mcknight E. L.,…here!,… Dagnaceous T.D.,…um,…here!” I was standing next to him, he was Dagnaceous for the duration. Fond memories of Terry. Rest In Peace Terry.
Barbara Mackey says
It is so hard to say Goodbye; Carol Ann, Mike, Steve, Dorrance and all of our family. Terry was always a rock and foundation of love. So many memories that we’ll always cherish in our hearts. Babe, doll, honey, my friend, whatever he chose to call you, it was sincere. I worked for him at the first convenience store in Helena when gas was $.35 a gallon! I will always treasure this sweet man in my heart and believe he is one of the jewels in the crown of heaven. My sister-OUR family- was truly blessed him.
Randy r Radke says
Carol, Mike and Steve
Terry was a good man and a great friend to my dad Freddy Radke. I know they will be laughing together and betting on the lions packers game up in heaven. Terry will be missed.
My heart goes out to your family
Randy Radke
Scott Lockwood says
Like many I met Terry in High School as he had the barrel club at the Town Pump so we could prepay for gas and be able to Cruze and not run out! I married into the Dagenais clan and Terry was one of the benefits of being in that family. He has been gracious to me and my family for more than 50 years. I will miss him but celebrate the fact that I got to call him friend.
Meghan Mandeville Ascheman says
Carol Ann, sending you hugs and prayers during this hard time. Terry was a gem in our community.
Diane and Mike Langenfus says
Carol and family,
My heart aches as I found out about Terry’s passing. You two seemed to shine so bright together. The last time I saw you together was at my Aunt Floras birthday. Terry was a good man and part of the soul of our community, he will truly be missed.
Doris Copenhaver says
Carol and family just so sorry to see we have lost Terry. I have many wonderful memories of Terry and the runs we participated in. He was always cheerful happy and upbeat and I’m sure he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Janet Weggenman says
Dear Carol and family, l was so sad to learn of Terry’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a treasured friend to my late husband Terry Weggenman.We had some great times when he visited us here and when we visited him in Helena.
We loved his sense of humor and the many kind things he did -what a sweet and loving soul. I imagine he and my Terry are having a great reunion in heaven
Judy and Mike McLellan says
Our hearts are with you( even more at this time). We love you. Terry was so blessed to have had you for his wife, and heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
John and Betty Brewer says
I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will always be remembered. I pray that your family will find peace knowing he is in heaven and you will see him again. May God hold you all tight and grant you complete peace and healing.
Nancy Burnham says
Don and I met Terry in 1958. They were both stationed in Guam with the Navy. Terry worked at the Post Office.
We discover we were both from Helena. We would often entertain our bachelor friend so he was included. I wanted to attend the burial services but don’t drive often. I am two yeats older than Terry.
David Anderson says
Thank you for your service Terry and my God speed.
Steve Jeri Mosby and Family says
May Terry RIP he was a great guy and a good friend to me. Terry was always fun and joked about being my personal banker(inside joke)…. loved the guy…