Roger L. Sullivan

Roger L. Sullivan, age 53, of Billings, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 9, 2005, at Deaconess Billings Clinic, from complications of pneumonia.

Roger was born June 8, 1951, in Fargo, N.D., to Duane and Lois (Miller) Sullivan. He married Susan Buchl on Feb. 27, 1982, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fargo.

Roger is survived by Susan, his wife of 23 years; their three daughters, Rachel, Jacquelyn and Roxanne; his mother, Lois Sullivan; nephew, Michael Sullivan; and twin nieces, Kalee and Krista Sullivan, all of Fargo. Rachel attends Arizona State University, and Jacquelyn and Roxanne, "the twins," are seniors at Billings West High School. He was preceded in death by his father, Duane; and brother and sister-in-law, David and Judy Sullivan.

Roger graduated from North Dakota State University in 1973 and served with the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th CAM SQ from 1970 to 1976.

Roger received his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1976 and began his professional career with First Trust Company of Fargo. In 1992, Roger was named President and CEO of First Trust Company of Montana and the family moved to Billings. He served in that position until 1997. From 1998 to July 2004, Roger was associated with Merrill Lynch.

Roger's enthusiasm was philanthropic organizations and he served on numerous community and endowment boards. Over his lifetime, he served in numerous positions, including Trustee and past President of the Yellowstone Art Museum, Trustee with the Montana Community Foundation, Trustee with the Museum of the Rockies-Bozeman, Member of the Deaconess Clinic Advisory Committee, President and Chairman of the Board of the North Dakota State University Foundation Alumni Association and Member of the Executive Committee of the North Dakota State University Development Foundation.

In honor of Roger's memory, an open house "Celebration of Life" will be held at the family home, 810 Bluegrass Place, Billings, MT 59106, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 13.

Memorials may be made to the Yellowstone Art Museum, Montana Community Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.

The funeral service and interment will be held at a later date at the family plot, Oakwood Cemetery Harwood, N.D. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary and Crematory has been entrusted with our arrangements.