Terry W. Bass passed away on July 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 30,743 days old. He was born in Billings to Jay M. and Helen Bass, and spent nearly all of his life in Montana. Terry married Carol Martin and together they had four children: Jon, Susan, Stacey, and Alisa, who were born and raised in Helena.
Terry’s career began as a radio DJ in high school (KLAK), and he later became a prominent broadcaster and newsman, contributing significantly to the expansion of the IMN network across Montana over sixty years ago, and conducting the first live legislative broadcast from the capitol. Within his broadcasting time, he served as the Montana Highway Safety Director under Governors Babcock and Anderson, and later held various governmental, public relations, and lobbying roles. Terry was also especially known for his photography, establishing “World Headquarters: Terry Bass Photo” back in the 80’s. You might still find a wooden token here and there.
Outside of work, Terry enjoyed spending time with his “old-guys morning coffee groups,” indulging in ice cream dates, and keeping up with the latest technology. GO-GO-Gadget Dad! He was deeply devoted to his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his favorite hobbies was photographing scenic Montana and nearby rural areas, and he spent countless days in Yellowstone/Southwest Montana taking photos.
Terry retired as the property manager of Colonial Terrace Apartments in 2021 after 30 years. He is remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering support for his loved ones.
He is survived by his family: brother Tim(Gretchen) of Oregon; Children: Jon Bass (Becky), Susan Proul(Rich), Stacey Petersen(Chris), and Alisa Bass; his grandchildren: Courtney Bahny(Chris), Kama Thom(Nate), Coty Bass, Ryan Bass, Nicole Bass(Kale), Erik Bass(Lexie), Brekk Bass(Kelsey), Larissa Preller(David), and John Proul; He loved being a great grandpa to his “little people”: Dayson, Kenslee, Oliver, Theo, Krue, Kitch, Vivian, Hazel, Landon and our newest addition, Mikah; He is also survived by his best friend Wally Peel, many long time good friends, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Carol, his wife for 58 years; his grandson Reid; his parents and his great grandparents.
The family is grateful to Marie Lavinder and the healthcare teams at Enhabit Health Care and St. Peter’s Hospice for their care which allowed him to stay at home. — Oh – and everyone needs a Susan.
Family will be receiving friends of both Terry and Carol, on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 1pm – 3 pm, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 2750 N. Montana Avenue, in Helena. A private family interment will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Our Lady of the Rockies, 3100 Harrison Avenue, Butte, MT 59701 (www.ourladyoftherockies.org) or a charity of your choosing.
The microphone and cameras are faded, he has now signed off; please close your eyes and remember his legendary radio voice: “ From Helena, Montana, I’m Terry Bass; Have a Great Day.”
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Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday July 21, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday July 21, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lance Zanto says
So sorry for your loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed my time with Terry. Always a smile and a story. He will be missed. God speed Terry!
Jenny Vogels says
Sus, Lisa, Jon, Stacey and families ~ Sending my sincere condolences of your loss of Terry. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. He cared for you all so much.
Karen Fred and Troy Gary says
We were so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He loved life and he loved his family even more. May your hundreds of wonderful memories help you through this very difficult time. Our hearts go out to you all.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Stacy Scott Berteau says
Stacey, my tgoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Stacy
Diane Trankel says
Thinking of you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Vonnie Jenkins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Terry was a great man and always smiling!
Rick Marks says
My thoughts and prayers to you all. Terry was a fine man. Rest in peace my friend.
Tom c says
THE Voice of true Community enthusiasm and resonance.
Patty Dahlstrom says
Sorry for your loss
Julie and Rick Massaro says
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. What a wonderful, kind, caring man Terry was.
Jack Womack says
What a good guy. Always had time for people. He cared about his work and was a great journalist. He was good at all of it. Writing, reporting, anchoring both radio and TV. People today have no idea how difficult it was to start a state network of radio stations before satellites and other transmission technology. Say hello to our old pals Cato Butler and Bill Yaeger. Save a spot for Wally and me. A life well lived. Terry Bass will be missed and remembered.
Rick Chapman says
Terry was one of first people I meet when I came to Helena. I’ll always remember talking with him and the rest of the guys around the coffee counter at the Country Kitchen. I enjoyed and respected his insight in our discussions. He will be missed.
Scott M Muller says
Terry was arguably the best man I ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with for all of his years at Colonial Terrace. He loved his family, Montana and the USA…in that order! I will especially miss his sharp insight on political topics and the stories he shared with so many of us.
My condolences to all of you. I’m sure he remains vigilant and is watching over you. He had a great run and I will always admire him.
Stan Morrison says
My condolences to all of Terry’s family. Having worked with Terry for several years at both IMN and KBLL radio, I learned quickly what a gentleman and a professional he truly was. Not many of us left and we’ve just lost one of the best. He joins an elite group…Cato, Bill, Al, Steve and many others. Rest well my friend.
Julie Abney says
This is so sad to hear. I got to know Terry back in the 80’s when I attended his photography classes. He truly was an artist and was awesome in teaching a way we all could understand. He had so much talent in all he did and was so kind to those he worked with, a grand sense of humor and the first to volunteer to help. A very good friend of mine and I were just trying to find out where Terry was now and that was on Wednesday. It’s like he walked into the room, and I don’t even remember how his name came up. He must have been having lunch with us. My heart and prayers go out to his family. He will now walk those white sand beaches he always talked about.
Gary Yaeger says
My late brother Bill introduced me to “TB” (Terry) decades ago after I’d moved Bill and family to Helena in 1957 from Lewistown. They remained great friends. We retired and moved to Helena 15 years ago. I bumped into Terry at Perkins with Wally Peal(sp). They invited me to sit down. This began a dear friendship with Terry. Besides loving to coffee together, we spent hours talking about our Montana histories. And he’d often say his IMN radio introductory with that distinctive radio voice! My heart goes out to Terry’s family. You can be so very proud of him and his memory. I’ll remember him through Eternity! God bless his memory!
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
My deepest condoloences to all of the Bass family. I met Terry and Carol way back when I was in the Masonic Affiliated- Order of Rainbow for Girls. All us girls had a sleep over and Terry/Carol graciously accepted all of us as one of their own. Great memories! I would always say Hi to Terry when I would see him out and about at various places around town. He was a great guy and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Sioux Roth says
Another radio legend joins the Heavenly Country Kitchen coffee table to talk with (and about) Helena happenings, Class AA, A, B, C sports, tournaments, coaches, Helena happenings, legends and the weather!
Thinking of you all and wishing you peace and grace during this difficult time.
May fond memories bring you a smile when you need it most.
Tim and Sioux Butler-Roth
Tom Steber says
I spent many years working with Terry at kbll and the IMN network. He was a great person and he will be always remembered. Tom Steber
Pete Philips says
My condolences to Terry’s entire family. I worked for Terry’s father Jay at Skaggs Drug and that’s how I came to know both Terry and Tim. Because of Jay I made Skaggs my career and was ultimately promoted into management and sent to Salt Lake. I didn’t have to opportunity to spend any real time around Terry but it was always pleasant to see him. God Bless Terry, rest in peace.
Steve and Judi McCall says
Terry was an awesome man, I will never forget the times he would come visit during night shift lunch times at the mine, Terry was security officer for Montana tunnels mine, it was something that all of us looked forward to.
He was always interesting to talk to and listen to.
R.I.P. Terry.
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
Our sincere condolences to the entire family, Terry was a legend in Helena we will all miss him and that broad smile .
Dennis Hayslett says
I was privileged to know Terry for many years, and honored to be able to sit with him and “the boys” at our 6:00 AM coffee group.
He was quite a gentleman. Knowledgeable, friendly, and caring, with always a kind word about everyone. I learned a lot just by having the chance to hang out with him! My deepest condolences to his family. I’m sending up many prayers for your comfort and healing.
Dr. Dennis Hayslett
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Dear Bass family,
Terry was a great man, he will be missed by many.
Oh so many wonderful memories of childhood, your parents, my parents, and the old neighborhood. Hold them all close. I will be sending lots of prayers and love for you all.
Charles and Mary Taylor says
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. We met him many years ago during our residency at the Colonial Terrace apartments. What a great apartment manager…so kind, patient, and understanding. My son played with his grandkids. He was a staple at the apartments…and I enjoyed running into him after we moved out of the apartments and catching up. I know he will be missed by many but I’m sure God is welcoming him home with a smile.
Tami Bartraw says
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. My condolences to the family.
I grew up with Stacey, & Terry & Carol always made me feel welcome in their home.
My Dad took many photography classes from Terry, they formed a friendship and were lodge brothers too. Terry was always a kind, thoughtful person. I know he will be greatly missed.
May the memories you have fill your hearts when you need them most.
Nikki J Johnson says
Bass Family- So sorry to hear about the passing of Terry. Your family and Terry are still remembered fondly as past neighbors of Silver St. Please take care! Sincerely- Nikki Johnson and Marlene Barbour
helen fabian says
To Terry;s family, My memories of your dad are endless. I met him & Carol through work in 2010 then after Carol’s passing got to know him from early morning coffee chat (the guys were all great) this continue for over 5 years. I truly enjoyed listening to his stories of travel and family. I am know he is doing great and I am so lucky to have known him. God bless, Helen Fabian
Kristine Fife says
I’ve known Terry since he worked at Montana Tunnels in the 90’s. I drove the tour bus the summer after graduation and Terry was one of my favorite people to see at work everyday. He loved to tease my then boyfriend. He called him “Feather Lips”, even years after we were married. They even appeared on a teen science TV show together in 1995. He was our apartment manager when our second child was born and took such good care of us. He was a man among men and I am grateful to have known him. Prayers of comfort and healing to your family.
Kennon Baird says
I recall several wonderful conversations over coffee with Terry (and Wally Peel) about the history of Montana radio and TV. It was all so interesting. Terry was also an excellent photographer, and was very generous in sharing his photos of Helena. I’m so glad I got to know him.
Kryss Kuntz says
Dear Bass family,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Terry! Flat out he was one of THE BEST !
God Speed dear man, you will be eternally missed ❤️