Obituary of Reverend Terrence “Terry” Patrick Regan

Reverend Terrence “Terry” Patrick Regan

Fr. Terry Regan passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, at Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, MT, after a life of service to God and His Church.

Terrence Patrick Regan was born on August 1, 1941, in Great Falls, MT to Leonard and Rosemary (Gies) Regan. After graduating from Great Falls High School, he went on to college seminary at St. Edward’s in Kenmore, Washington. Following his graduation from St. Thomas Seminary Fr. Terry was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on May 18, 1968.

During his time as a priest, he served all over the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. For a number of years he served in Billings, including at Central Catholic High School, St. Pius X Parish, Holy Rosary Parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. However, he was not limited to Billings, as he also served at St. Luke’s Parish in Great Falls and at the parishes in Miles City, Cascade, Fort Shaw, and Circle. In 1993, he was assigned to the Stanford cluster of parishes, where he served for 18 years before retiring to Great Falls.

In addition to his seminary training, Fr. Terry also received a Master’s Degree in Applied Spirituality from the University of San Francisco in 1982.

Fr. Terry had a great love of God’s nature and for art. He would often pack up his paint materials and drive off into the countryside where he would paint the beauty of God’s creation. While in Stanford he participated in the local Art Club. Fr. Terry also loved to travel, not only to many basketball games with Fr. Ted Szudera, but also on a grand adventure to Europe.

Music was another love of his life. In addition to his well known guitar playing, Fr. Terry also played the clarinet, not only in private, but also as part of the Great Falls Municipal Band and other similar musical groups. He also had a great appreciation for musicals, usually memorizing most of the songs. After his retirement, he joined a group called the Singing Seniors, who would travel around to retirement homes in order to provide music and entertainment to the residents.

His greatest love, though, was for his God and his faith, which was very strong. He showed this love in the considerate, thoughtful, and loving manner in which he would interact with people. He also had a particular love for people who live on the margins of society and would often contribute to their relief.

Fr. Terry is survived by his brother, Dan (Judy) Regan; sister, Peggy (Christopher) Dietzen; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Rosemary Regan, and his sister, Sharon Kaufman.

Fr. Terry will have a viewing starting at 5:00 pm, one hour prior to the vigil service at 6:00 pm on August 19, 2024, both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls. Viewing will take place at 9:00 am, one hour prior to his Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on August 20, 2024, also at Holy Spirit, followed by the committal at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Fr. Terry had a great love for the care of the Church, and so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana, PO Box 1345, Great Falls, MT 59403. Please indicate which of Fr. Terry’s favorite funds you wish to donate to: (1) Priest Retirement Endowment, (2) Bishop’s Endowment, or (3) Great Falls Central Catholic High School Endowment. Condolences for the family and parishes that he served may be shared at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com.