Peter Sullivan

1935 - 2025

One of Helena's great characters, Peter William Sullivan, passed away on November 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Peter was born in 1935 in the kitchen of the family ranch in the Canton Valley, an area that was later flooded to create Canyon Ferry Lake. The second of five children, Peter and his only brother, Larry, lived primarily in the bunkhouse with no electricity or running water, and learned early-on that cows and chickens do not take holidays or recognize weekends.

His Irish father and German mother encouraged Peter to enroll at Carroll College where he earned a degree in Business and Economics in 1957. Once he traded the ranch life for life in the Capital City, he never looked back. He began his career at the First National Bank with memorable duties like repossessing cars and loaning money to Big Dorothy for her little business up the Gulch. He also joined the Army Reserves serving 12 years and was discharged as a Captain in 1967.

In 1963 the eternal optimist opened his own business that later became Sullivan Financial Group. He loved his work and cherished his clients. He coined a motto in the 1970's that delighted his family, though elementary school teachers were unimpressed when the Sullivan kids proudly brought pens to school adorned with the words "No B.S. from P.S." Peter retired at the youthful age of 80 after qualifying for the Million Dollar Roundtable for more than forty years and being inducted into the ING Financial Partners Hall of Fame.

In early 1959, Peter met a darling Irish Catholic girl from Butte America by the name of Sheila Sullivan - no relation (as far as we know.) At the time, Sheila was visiting her mother while on a break from Catholic University where she was pursuing a master's degree in theater. After only one date Sheila returned to Washington D.C. and a correspondence courtship began. The second time they met in person, Peter asked for Sheila's hand in marriage. The third time was at their wedding on November 28, 1959. There must have been magic in those letters as Peter and Sheila enjoyed a deep love affair full of mutual admiration and genuine affection for fifty-one years.

After marriage, they immediately started a family having a half-dozen children in twelve years. Although Peter was busy growing his business, he rarely missed one of his children's concerts, recitals, plays, or sporting events. Fortunately (or unfortunately) his enthusiastic cheering could slice through the roar of any crowd. He also volunteered for many years as the Hawthorne area Cub Scout Master, as well as a referee, timer and judge for numerous events. He had high expectations for all his children but even when they did not meet the mark, they felt his unconditional love and unwavering support. The children were encouraged to explore the world, and you could count on Sheila heading up a trip to visit with Porter Pete deftly on her heels. She did her part by gamely joining him on frequent ski trips and golf outings.

Peter and Sheila's great love of Helena was evidenced by the time, talent, and financial contributions they poured into local charities and organizations. Peter was President of the Cathedral of St. Helena Parish Council, Helena Jaycees, the Helena Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Montana, Helena Ambassadors, Live at the Civic, Metropolitan Dinner Club, and the Helena Navy League. He was a dedicated member of the Helena Kiwanis, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was a founding member of The St. Peter's Hospital Foundation Board and the Western Montana Catholic Foundation. In recognition of his dedication to the Helena community he received many accolades including the Helena Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year, Helena Community Foundation's Spirit of Philanthropy, and most recently, flag honoree for the Old Glory Landmark.

As Sheila's health deteriorated in the last few years of her life, she told everyone who would listen that Peter should not spend his final years alone. Her death in early 2011 left a huge hole in Peter's big heart. Fortunately, near the end of that year, he met the irrepressible Barbara Harris, and a wonderful new chapter began. Two fun-loving extroverts, Peter and Barb rarely missed a community event. Among their favorite activities were Carroll College sporting events, concerts, plays, Kiwanis luncheons and Sunday Mass. And the summer was not complete without Peter conducting the Star-Spangled Banner at the Symphony Under the Stars. They enjoyed traveling, playing cards (except euchre) and dancing cheek to cheek. Peter was warmly welcomed by Barb's three sons and their families who readily accepted him into the Harris fold. After many valiant proposals from Peter, Barb agreed to marriage. Peter was forever smitten by the endearing love and support of his Barbara Rose.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Sullivan, his parents, Lawrence Daniel Sullivan and Marie Sullivan (nee Meyers), his brother Larry Sullivan, his brothers-in-law Robert Masolo and Marvin Love, and sisters-in-law Louise Sullivan and Joan Farmin, and granddaughter Mary Marsden Sullivan.

Peter is survived by his second wife Barbara Harris, sisters Mary Pat Sullivan, Gay Ann Masolo, and Terry Love, as well as his children Jimmer (Brigid) Sullivan, Margaret "Peggy" Sullivan, ReNell (Jeff) Gradeck, Peter Daniel (Sarah) Sullivan, Shawn (Sunde) Sullivan, and Erin Sullivan. His grandchildren include Connor (Theresa) Sullivan, Logan Sullivan, and Mollie Sullivan. Amanda (Damon) Bateson, Meghan (Wade Harper) Rucka, and Nicole Rucka. Samuel Sullivan, Luke Sullivan, and Kate "The Great" Sullivan. Peter's Great grandchildren are Charlotte and Madeline Bateson and Danika and Mary Sullivan. Barb's children are Mark (Kelly Griffin) Harris, Kyle Harris, David (Heather) Harris as well as grandchildren Hannah Elz, Tyler Harris, Otto Harris, and Chick Harris and great grandchildren Annalise and Robert Elz. Peter enjoyed many wonderful surviving nieces and nephews as well.

The family would like to thank the outstanding CNAs, RNs and doctors at St. Peter's Hospital for providing Peter with caring support and dignity in his final days.

Known to his family as Mr. Helena, Peter would be humbled if you'd like to select one of your favorite local charities to donate in his honor. If finances are tight, he'd be equally tickled if you picked up some litter on your next walk.