M. Terry Carty

M. “Terry” Carty, 82, passed away peacefully in Pendleton, Oregon on December 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Terry was born in Lakeview, Oregon on July 24, 1942, and moved to Bend, Oregon during elementary school. It was there that Terry developed a passion for sports, music, and leadership. As a young man, he stood out in both football and baseball, was an active member of the student council, and had a natural talent for singing and performing in college musicals. On the slopes of Mt. Bachelor, he was known for his incredible skiing skills and was proud to be part of the Bend High Ski Team, spending countless hours enjoying the thrill of the snow.

Terry’s love of the outdoors only deepened with time. After graduating from Bend High School, he attended night school at Central Oregon College for two years, working during the day and receiving his associate's degree. He then went on to Eastern Oregon State College and the University of Oregon, where he made lifelong memories. He nearly completed his PhD in Education, but his true passion lay in sharing his love of nature and learning with others. On December 29, 1963, Terry married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Copenhaver, in Bend, Oregon, and the couple soon made their home in LaGrande. Weekends were often spent skiing at Anthony Lakes and Spout Springs, where Terry was an enthusiastic member of the ski patrol and taught ski lessons to others.

Terry and Carolyn moved to Pendleton in 1965, where Terry began his long and fulfilling career in education, starting as a 4th-grade teacher at Hawthorne School. From there, his roles within the school district grew as he took on teaching math at John Murray Junior High School, leading as Head of Maintenance, and later becoming the Principal at John Murray. He spent his final years before retirement as the Director of Business and Management Services for the Pendleton School District, retiring in 2000 after decades of inspiring young minds and making a lasting impact on the community.

Even after retirement, Terry kept busy with consulting and continued to be involved in education, spending a year as Principal in Athena, Oregon. He was also an active member of several organizations, including the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon Indian Education Association, Oregon Business Managers Association, Rotary, and Knights of Pythias. But Terry’s greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Whether it was hunting or fishing, he found peace and happiness in the beauty of the world around him. And as a proud grandfather, Terry adored spending time with his grandkids, often finding ways to make their days brighter with his playful spirit and loving nature.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard H. Carty and Marjorie L. Smith, and his brother, Dan Carty. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Carolyn, his son Matt (wife Kim) Carty of Forest Grove, daughter Stacey (husband Curtiss) Nelson of Pendleton, grandchildren Andrew and Hailey Nelson and Taven Carty, brother Vaughn (wife Kitty) Carty of Prineville, sister Maureen Carty of Texas, along with two nephews and three nieces.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at St. Anthony Hospital for their excellent care during Terry’s final days. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2-4:00 PM January 11th at the Slick Fork Saloon in Pendleton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pendleton Foundation Trust (PO Box 1950, Pendleton, OR 97801) or the Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter (517 SE 3rd St., Pendleton, Oregon 97801).

Terry lived a life full of adventure, joy, and love. His spirit and kindness will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.