Terry was born in Juanita, Washington near the shores of Lake Washington
where his parents owned a resort – Shady Beach. During those early
growing up years, Terry built tree houses and a roller coaster with his
brother John, became fascinated with unlimited hydroplanes and
discovered the joy of listening to Radio Mystery Theater. In 1960, his family
moved to Auburn where his dad became the editor of the Auburn Globe
News. While in high school Terry became president of the school ski club,
played varsity football and had his first experience with teaching when an
opportunity arose to become a volunteer swimming instructor at the
Auburn YMCA.
After a four-year stint in the US Navy, Terry earned his bachelor’s degree at
San Diego State University and then returned to his home state where he
received a Washington state teaching credential at the University of
Washington. Go Dawgs!
Next Terry was hired by the Kent School District where he taught for
fourteen years. But, being a small town guy, he found an opportunity to
become part of a small town school district when he was hired in 1990 to
become a fifth grade teacher in the Dieringer School District. While at
Dieringer Heights Elementary Terry was part of the district leadership team,
coached seventh grade basketball with legendary Mo Lakin and created a
lunch recess intramural program for fifth grade students. In March of 2008,
his classroom parents, the Sylvan Learning Center and King 5 TV recognized
Terry as a Teacher Who Makes a Difference.
Currently, Terry is retired from teaching, but has several connections to
Dieringer through his book club with several of his former students and his
work with the Dieringer foundation. In his spare time Terry loves
woodworking, reading, writing and skiing at Crystal Mountain with his wife
Janet as well as other family members and friends.