Terrance Michael Hessinger
Terrance Michael Hessinger
Terrance Michael Hessinger, 67, Livingston, Mont., formerly of Bismarck, N.D., died Oct. 21, 2012, at Livingston Memorial Hospital of a heart attack.
Terry was born in Bismarck, N.D., on May 13, 1945, the son of Dorothy (Fuller) and F. James Hessinger. He was raised in Bismarck, graduated from St. Mary’s Central High in 1963. He attended Bismarck Junior College participating in wrestling. He then attended the University of North Dakota graduating with a degree in history in 1971; concurrently serving in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 311th Evac Hospital, completing his duties in 1970.
After years as a contractor in Montana and California, he returned to teaching at the Solen Junior High on the Sioux Indian reservation for several years.
During his continued education, he was accepted as a Fulbright Scholar, traveling and studying in India, Nepal and Tibet. He then graduated with a master’s degree from Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., in 2000 and then taught in Rudyard Mont., for several years.
His last teaching post was at Crow Agency, Busby, Mont., after which he retired to Livingston to continue his travels.
Terry was a lifelong traveler, whether at home or Mumbai, always just leaving, just getting back, or planning his next foray as a worldwide traveler.
Terry and brother, Robert, were featured in a ’70s Bismarck Tribune article about their U.S. and Foreign hitchhiking adventures logging 40,000 miles. Terry and friends traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe and Mexico over the years for education and pure adventure.
Terry is survived by daughter, Jesse (Hewitt) King; three grandchildren, Duncan, Eleanor and Griffin; Jesse’s mother and former partner, Marianne Hewitt Robbins; a sister and four brothers, Ms. Mary (Hessinger) Rudd, Carmichael; Fred, San Diego; Ken, Flat Rock, N.C.; Paul, San Francisco; Kevin, Bismarck, N.D., 14 nieces and nephews, Laurie, Joan, Robyn, John, Donovan, Misty, Molly, Mandy, Abby, Eric, Bekah, Annie, Emilie and Olivia; significant others including Marian Hjortsberg and Dorothy Frost and his many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, F. James; mother, Dorothy (Fuller); and older brother, Robert.
He will be missed by all who knew him. He loved good food and conversation and created a party atmosphere wherever he went. He was bright, friendly and political. As he would say of some others, “He cut a wide, memorable swath wherever he went.” There will never be another Terry.
A potluck wake will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, at noon, at Sonoma Creek Clubhouse 785 Oregon St. Those wishing to attend please RSVP to Paul Hessinger 415-378-9294.
Navigate to: “terryhessinger-com.webs.com” for more information, updates and sharing of memories and photos.
A memorial is in the works for Livingston and/or Bismarck in the spring or summer of 2013.

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I am so sorry for your loss. Terry was a friend of mine in H.S and Jr. College. He was a great guy and after reading all about his life, I wish we would have kept in touch.
I left Bismarck in 1975 and moved to MPLS. Jeanie Barker was my maiden name.
My prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Jeanie Renner
I knew Terry for only a short time. He was a friend of my Husband-to-be. He came to our wedding and celebrated with us.
I enjoyed our 'discussions' about music, art and travel. He was always very knowledgeable about all of these.
I will have fond memories of my first days in Montana and his friendship.
Goodbye Terry...
I will miss you!
Carolyh