The Rev. Bernard John "Bud" Sullivan

The Rev. Bernard John "Bud" Sullivan, 85, passed away at The Waterford in Helena July 30, 2004.

Born in Butte on June 29, 1919, he was the son of Quinn and Kate Murphy Sullivan. Educated in the Catholic schools in Butte, he then graduated from Carroll College in Helena and St. Edward's Seminary in Kenmore, Wash. On June 3, 1944, he was ordained a priest for the Helena Diocese, serving his entire life in Western Montana — Anaconda, Whitehall, Dillon, Helena, Thompson Falls and Columbia Falls. He also was Vicar General of the Helena Diocese from 1978 to 1989. Since his retirement he resided in Helena. During this time Father Bud assisted with many parishes throughout the Diocese, and enjoyed serving as chaplain for many cruise lines.

Father Sullivan was very instrumental in the construction of many facilities in the Diocese — Anaconda Central High School, St. Rose Rectory in Dillon and St. Mary's Church and Rectory in Helena.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Joseph, Dan, Ray, and Fran, and one sister, Mary O"Boyle. He is survived by his sister Margaret and her husband Robert Wedin of Walnut Creek, Calif.; his sisters-in-law Virginia Roberts Sullivan and Caryl Bennie Sullivan of Butte; nieces and nephews Kathy and Ted Delaney and their children, Brian and Beth of Missoula; Sheila and Paul Cutler and their children Katie, Corey and Marc of Butte; Tom Sullivan of Missoula; Robbie Wedin and Colleen and Wilbur Harden of California.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 5 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena. The Most Rev. George Leo Thomas will preside. Concelebrants will be Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen, Father Jack Hunthausen, Father Jack Darragh, Father Jim Connor and cousins Monsignor Joseph Harrington, and Father Scott Connolly of Seattle. Father Connolly will serve as homilist and Gerry Kuhl as deacon.

Burial will take place in the Priests Plot, Resurrection Cemetery in Helena. Memorials are suggested in Father Sullivan's name to Carroll College Foundation, 1601 North Benton Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, or Butte Catholic Education, 9 South Idaho, Butte, MT 59701.