Terence R. Quinn

Terence R. Quinn, age 77 of Rapid City, died peacefully Monday, July 4,2022 at Fountain Springs Healthcare in Rapid City, South Dakota.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, July 9^th from 5pm to 7pm at the Branding Iron Steak House in Belle Fourche.  Friends may also leave written condolences and view a video tribute online at:  www.leveringtonFH.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Memorials can be given to the Belle Fourche Fire Department, the Make a Wish Foundation, or the University of South Dakota School of Law. 

Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. 

Terence Robert Quinn was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota January 22, 1945.  He was the son of Robert and Ruth (Binder) Quinn.  Terry grew up in Sioux Falls, where he attended Washington High School.  He graduated in 1963.  Terry attended college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska from 1963 to 1965.  In 1967 he married Donna Pachunka in Omaha, Nebraska.  From this union two daughters were born:  Tiffany and Molly.    He received his  Bachelor of Science degree from Yankton College in 1968.  Terry entered law school at the University of South Dakota and received his Juris Doctorate in 1971. Following law school, Terry and his family moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota.  He began his career at Stephen’s and Brandenburg Law Firm.  During Terry’s years in Belle Fourche, he was very active in the Belle Fourche Fire Department, where he made many friends.  Throughout his career, Terry was a partner in several law firms in Belle Fourche and Rapid City.  He ended his career in Rapid City with Quinn Law Firm.  He particularly enjoyed practicing Civil Litigation, concentrating in the areas of medical malpractice, product and commercial litigation.  Terry had many special friendships with partners and associates throughout his long career.  He especially enjoyed helping young attorneys get their start.   Some include special friends, Mike Day, Bob Morris, and Ken Barker.  Over the last several years, Terry lived and practiced in Rapid City, South Dakota.  He recently received his 50 Year pin for practicing law. 

Terry received many awards throughout his career.  He was the recipient of the South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year, Past President of the State Bar of South Dakota, Past president of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association.  He served on the Board of Governors for the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association as well as the American Association for Justice.  Terry served on the faculty for the National College of Advocacy “Ultimate Course in Trial Advocacy”.  He lectured at Harvard School of Law, Hastings School of Law, the University of Wisconsin School of Law, Arizona State University School of Law, and other institutions.  Terry was awarded the South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.  He was one of the four attorneys in the state to ever receive the honor.

Terry’s hobbies included boating, fishing, hunting, and traveling.   He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He always enjoyed supporting them and attending their sporting events.  He loved helping people.  He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion for helping others.  He will be greatly missed by his family. 

Terry is survived by his daughters, Tiffany (Tim) Bierschenk of Belle Fourche, SD, Molly (Jes)  Bensley of Bozeman, MT.; five grandchildren:  Addison, Avery, Amity, Coen, and Rose; one brother, Tom (Margie) Quinn of Omaha, NE, two sisters, Karen Tufty of Flandreau, SD, Lisa Nolan of Black Hawk, SD,  and several nieces and nephews.