Terrence Kelley

September 6, 1940 – June 5, 2025

Terrence “Terry” Lynn Kelley passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, surrounded by close loved ones. He was 84 years old.

Terry was born on September 6, 1940, and spent his youth in Ronan, Montana, and Spokane Washington, later graduating from East Valley High School. He lived a life rich with curiosity, travel, scholarship, and love. A devoted son, brother, uncle, great uncle, godfather, partner, and teacher, he left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Casey (Landquist) Kelley, and father, Patrick Kelley. He is survived by the love of his life of 27 years, Paul Trueblood, his brother, Steve Kelley, and Steve’s wife MaryAnn, along with their children Mason, Apollo, Rylyn, and Sky Ann, and their extended families.

Terry and Paul’s story began at the University of Montana, where Paul—fresh from an accounting class—was instantly captivated by Terry's presence. After years of knowing each other through mutual social circles and shared time at AmVets functions, they finally found each other in the winter of 1997 and remained inseparable ever since. Their love was deep, joyful, and full of inside jokes, coded language, and shared beliefs.

Terry spent much of his life in pursuit of knowledge and connection. A voracious learner, he earned a B.A. in Spanish and an MBA from the University of Montana, a Master’s in Spanish from Washington State University in Pullman, and a Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language from Shenandoah University. He believed that language, culture, and food shaped the way we see the world—and he spent his life exploring all of it.

He taught English as a second language in Saudi Arabia for 17 years, working with military personnel, and also taught at the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula from 1990 to 2015, where he earned the moniker of “Teacher Terry.” He also ran international education programs at the University of Montana, including a business exchange with Toyo University in Japan and a social exchange with Kumamoto University. A longtime member and secretary of the Missoula Hell Gate Elks Lodge #383, Terry ran their VALOR Program to support education and reintegration for veterans among many other programs.

Wearing out five passports as a world traveler, Terry studied in Mexico, lived and taught in Colombia for two years, and visited Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, England, and Russia—though he always said going to Russia during the Cold War was one of the dumbest decisions of his life, having been stopped by the KGB during the trip. He often reflected on how language unlocked different worldviews and deepened understanding between people.

Terry was known for his intellectual curiosity, sharp dry wit, brilliance, and the most beautiful deep blue eyes. He was non-confrontational by nature, deeply kind, and loved by everyone who knew him. He was also known as one of the worst gift-givers, once giving Paul a “Great Courses” book and DVD on the science behind science fiction—an offering that became a running joke between them for years.

In his free time, Terry loved music festivals—Pig Out in the Park in Spokane being a particular favorite — swimming, tennis, roller dance-skating, ice dance, and a good glass of red wine. Out on the town, he opted for a gin and tonic while listening to blues or jazz. He earned a green belt in taekwondo, loved cooking, once owned an Austin-Healey sports car, and he enjoyed driving his prized copper 1976 Porsche 914.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Orchard Homes Community Center located at 2537 S 3rd St W, Missoula, MT 59804 in Missoula, MT. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate the truly remarkable life of Terrance Kelley.

Terry Kelley’s legacy is one of love, learning, laughter, and language. He will be deeply missed.