Terrence "Terry" Wayne Blaz

Terrence "Terry" Wayne Blaz, age 65, sadly left us on February 9, 2024, at his home. Terry was born on July 15, 1958, in St. Ann's Hospital to Thomas and Doris Blaz of Anaconda. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1976.

In 1977, Terry joined the Army and was assigned to Fort Riley, KS in the 1st Infantry Division, and eventually stationed in Germany as a Tank Driver. During his time in the service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, as well as the Sharpshooter Badge. Upon returning home from military duty, Terry was employed as a correctional officer at the Montana State Prison. He eventually moved to Corona, CA to brand horses with family. There, he was a jack of all trades and held various jobs including plumbing and roofing until finding his true calling of becoming an electrician. The family moved to Woodlake, CA and he began working at American Inc. After his youngest son Ryan's graduation, Terry and Ryan's mother, the late Georgia Blaz, moved back to his beloved home of Anaconda. Terry became the Deer Lodge County electrician until he retired. He became known locally as the "light man." Terry connected with his classmate, Janice and married the love of his life in 2015. Some of his favorite activities included riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, supporting Anaconda V.F.W. Post 1876, tinkering in his garage, and his latest hobby of fractal wood burning. He served the V.F.W well, providing anything and everything from maintenance to Commander-in-Chief duties. Most importantly, he was a man of generosity, humor, and always ready to lend a hand and would give the shirt off his back for others.

Terry is survived by his mother Doris Blaz; spouse Janice Blaz; sisters Judith Bowman, Margaret (Larry) Bock and Linda (Jerold) Forkan; brother David (Judy) Blaz; daughter Adrienne (Brandt) Sweet; sons Joshua, Matthew, and Ryan (Hannah) Blaz; stepdaughter Sharlie Corcoran (Timothy Honey) and stepson Troy Graham; grandchildren Aryah, Jayden, Ethan, Bria, Elysia, Aavery, Gavin, Alyna, Jacob, Addison, Bodhi, and Chloe; and multiple nieces and nephews. Terry had many dear friends in Anaconda and spoke often about friends in California, especially Jeff, Ron and Glenn, whom he traveled and worked with at American Inc.

Terry was preceded in death by his father Thomas V. Blaz; former wife Georgia Blaz; brother Thomas D. Blaz; sister-in-law Debbie Blaz; brother-in-law William (Bo) Bowman; and granddaughter Mattisyn Blaz.

The Blaz family would like to give special thanks to the community of Anaconda and friends of Terry who always waved and honked at the "light man."

Terry's hope for his loved ones was "Remember me with a smile, for that is how I will remember you. If  you cannot remember me with a smile, don't remember me at all."

A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at noon at the Anaconda V.F.W Post 1876, 500 E. 4th Street, Anaconda, MT. A graveside service will take place before the Celebration of Life on March 23, 2024, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, W. 5th Street, Anaconda, MT, beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Terry.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Terry and his family.