Terrance John Magorty, 92

Terrance John Magorty, 92, passed away at his home in Hot Springs, Mont., on Nov. 4, 2020. Terry was born in Juneau, Alaska, on Oct. 2, 1928; the eldest child of Harold and Susie (Guest) Magorty. He had three younger siblings: Gerald (Anne) Magorty, Colleen Magorty and Lawrence (Vonnie and Tina) Magorty.

Terry married Bernice Guthmiller on June 4, 1949. Three children blessed their marriage: Randall (Gail) Magorty, David (Constance) Magorty and Kristi Sue (Michael) Karlgaard. One other, who was very special to Terry’s heart, was his goddaughter, Tina Nehlich (Rob) Dorsey, and his grandchildren Zakary Karlgaard, Rachel Karlgaard (Sam) Berger and Tom Rausch; great-grandchildren Olivia and Avery Berger, Maya Rausch (William) Benbrook and Dalton Rausch.

In the summer of 1950, Terry and Bernice went to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to vacation and visit Bernice’s mother, Chris (Herb) Sullivan. They stayed and lived many years in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden. Bernice returned to Juneau to move their belongings and Terry’s brother Larry into their home in Idaho. Terry worked in the Maintenance Department of Kaiser Aluminum as a pipe fitter in the Trentwood Rolling Mill for 32 years, retiring in his 50s. There were 3,500 employees at Kaiser, and it seemed he knew them all. He could not go anywhere without meeting and visiting. The guys carpooled to work and worked rotating shifts every two weeks. Two weeks day shift, two weeks swing and two graveyards. They forged strong friendships.

Grandma Cecile Sullivan taught Terry about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He resisted but she never gave up on him. He became a lifelong member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene and an avid student of the Scriptures.

Terry and Bernice purchased property in Hayden and made their farm. Raising animals and his garden were his passions. Bernice passed away in 1987, after 38 years of marriage. Terry met and married Joyce Davis in 1990. They moved to Hot Springs in 1995, where he built his dream log “cabin” on the 40 acres they purchased. He soon became an integral part of the Hot Springs community through Tuesday “Coffee and Pie” at Cavallini’s and especially through the art classes with Marla Brown. Art became his next passion. He and Joyce also hosted many foster kids and foreign exchange students as well, which led to two trips to the orient and lasting friendships all over the world.

Terry will be missed by his large, extended family and by many in Coeur d’Alene and Hot Springs, and all those around the world that his life and smile touched. A good neighbor who loved his Lord and his family and friends.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date.