Terence Scallen

Terence J. Scallen, MD. Ph.D. of Silver Bay, MN, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017, at St Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN, surrounded by his wife and children.

Terry was born in Minneapolis on January 16, 1935, to Raymond A. Scallen and Lenore Kaine Scallen (Cookie). He graduated from the College of St. Thomas with a B.S. in Biology-Chemistry in 1957 and married his sweetheart, Joan Wilson.  He moved on to the University of Minnesota Medical School where he received his M.D. in 1961, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1965.

Terry accepted a position with the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Dept. of Biochemistry soon after receiving his Ph.D. and began a distinguished career in research and teaching in Albuquerque NM.  As a key member of the research team at Sandoz Pharmaceutical, the biological activity of Lescol, the first synthetic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was discovered in his laboratory at UNM in May, 1983. Final FDA approval for Lescol was given on Dec 31, 1993.

Terry and his team continued development of new inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis research and branched out from this base into molecular control of cellular differentiation and proliferation leading to the discovery of new therapeutic approaches in cancer and immunotherapy.  His work produced 18 inventions and over 100 publications in leading research and medical journals.  Terry amassed an exhaustive list of honors and professional activities while being a world renowned expert in the field of Lipid research.

His devotion to faith, family, and community was unshakable.  Terry was an active member in the Catholic Church, cantoring each weekend and attending mass throughout the week. He loved singing and playing the piano and even wrote several original liturgical hymns and songs. He was a passionate supporter of the Right to Life movement and served as the Director of the committee in New Mexico in 1981 and 1982.  He served in several positions with the Montezuma Elementary School PTA as his children attended school there, including President, Chairman of the Parents Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Health and Safety Committee. He is fondly remembered sitting at a busy intersection his children had to cross while walking to school, counting cars for a campaign to have a stoplight installed (and it was!).  He also happily judged many a Science Fair. Chauffeur for after school activities and sports was one of his favorite titles. He was always on the sidelines cheering on his children in their various sports or listening proudly through endless band, orchestra, and chorus concerts, as well as each and every play and musical. Around the schools of Albuquerque, Terry was ubiquitous.

Terry was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Scallen, and is survived by his wife Joan, his brothers Dr. Raymond Scallen (Mary) and Stephen Scallen (Chacké); his children: Gregory Scallen, Patricia Armstrong, Michael Scallen (Jackie), Susan Scallen; and grandchildren Jamie, Dane, Shannon, and Logan.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay, MN.   The burial to be held at 12 noon on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis MN.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org.