Lani (Luana) Hench (Gerber)

Reading the many comments and kind words about Terry takes me back to a more simple and certainly very sweet time.  Between our junior and senior year, Kris Miller (Digges), Lonnie Bates, Terry and I spent time that summer doing the things we did back then...cruising 1st street on Thursday evenings, going to the Drive-In and wandering around (OK, a little making out in the back seat) and lying on the lawn out in the country in my back yard, watching shooting stars and talking and laughing during those warm summer nights.

 After graduation we went our separate ways, off to college, joining the service, getting married and moving away.  Kris and I kept in contact but I never saw Lonnie or Terry again.  Fast forward to sometime after 1972, the year my Mom died.  My Dad had gone out to dinner some place in the Napa Valley (wish I had more specifics) when the Maitre d' came over and told him someone wanted to buy him a bottle of wine. When he asked who, Terry approached the table and said it would be an honor to purchase the wine.  I don't know if Terry was working there or just dining, but he went on to say this was his way of thanking my Dad for many warm memories of being welcomed into our home and for the good times we had together.   And he expressed his sympathy for my Mom's passing.  When my Dad told me this story he described Terry as "that cute boy that used to come to the house."

I wanted to share this with you because it speaks to Terry as a man, a Napa High boy who grew up and remained kind and thoughtful. My only regret is I did not have the opportunity to tell him how much his generous gesture meant to my father and to me.  I hope this story will find its way to Judi and his children and they will know that there are many of us who knew Terry was a special guy. 

Thanks for putting up with the length of this, I just wanted to tell yet one more story about Terry. 

Lani (Hench) Gerber

Craig McWhorter

Jim Bell

I am very pleased that Linda and I got to visit with Terry and Judi at Lake Tahoe a few weeks ago. It was fun to catch up on old times. He told me that his cancer was a result of Agent Orange during his tours in Vietnam. As a member of the Backwater Boys we will all miss you old friend. Until we meet again....
 

William M Hammaker

It has been quite a comfort to read these comments about Terry and to see all the nice memories people have of him.  I am very glad I had a chance to talk to him a couple of weeks ago...he was Terry - full of laughter but also of pride in his family, especially Lisa and his grand children.  He leaves me with lots of great memories and the hope we meet again down the road.  Slainte good friend.
 

Walter Mikolajcik

You are right about Terry's parents they always invited me for dinner or breakfast and thery treated you like one of the family. Someone e-maile me and said the link did not work:

Here is the correct link:

Jerry Foster

       I was trying to see if I knew Terry in high school. I dont think I had the opportunity to have met him. I was only at Napa High for my Jr. and Sr. year. I also tried o find Terry in the year book photos but I dont think he had his photo taken. It seems he was a great guy to know and from all the comments he had a lot of friends. It always is sad to see one of us turn in for good but I think what makes it easier is that we had memories to share of them. It looks like most of you had good memories of Terry and your times in school. Well Terry Rest in Peace you left some good memories to your friends.

Daniel J Oliveres

The news of Terry's death stunned and saddened me.  To hear that Lonnie had passed was devastating.

I didn't get to know them until my senior year.  I don't even remember how we met. I think it was at a meeting for that winter show that featured seniors against the juniors at Terry's house.  We hit off . They were my "car" friends. 

I had a 55 chevy that needed brakes.  They offered to replace them. When I picked up my car, the brakes were good and it had a new Hurst shifter with syncro lock.  They picked it up at a wrecking yard and charged me next to nothing.  Soon after, they told me to bring the car over and they put a new manifold and 3 two barrel carbs on it.  Same wrecking yard story and maybe 10 bucks.

I never have enjoyed working on cars, but I really admired their passion.  I have often thought of them, and with nothing but fondness.  Two of the nicest people ever.

Pamela Thompson (Jewett)

I am glad that Terry was able to make it to the Tahoe reunion.  It was good to see him and talk about high school days.  He was always such a nice guy.  Well after graduation I would sometimes see him around Napa driving a Volkswagon "Thing".  During "Hot August Nights" here in Reno, once in a great while there will be a "Thing" cruising down the street which now will forever remind me of Terry.  

Walt and Dave, your words and music are a moving sentiment for Terry and  others that we miss.  Thank you. 

Dennis Henry

There have been times and, sadly, these times are becoming more frequent, that someone leaves us and I recall the past and wish that I had stayed in closer contact with old friends.  

I can remember driving around town with Terry, Lonnie and Jim in the old ford or Jim’s red 59 chevy. We accomplished absolutely nothing but it was fun. On one occasion, we toured around in Jim’s brother’s green metalflake chevy and got away with it. Jim was really scared that something would happen to that car.

I don’t recall everyone that was there or whose car it was, but a bunch of us met at an old barn, unbolted a powder blue 58 chevy from its frame, raised it using the rafters (dangerous much?) and  pulled the bent frame out. A couple of weeks later, we pulled in a replacement and bolted it back together; very satisfying and fun.

Terry was a great guy, always friendly to everyone, and full of energy.

Esther Joens (Ruppel)

I just recently found this website, hoping to connect in time for our 50th class reunion.  I've moved away and lost touch with all my old friends.  I'm thrilled to see some familiar names here, but terribly sad to know that Terry and Lonnie are already gone.  I met them during our senior year, thanks to the kindness of Kris Miller.  The three of them and other friends of theirs made my spring and summer that year so much fun... lots of simple pleasures, like fun car rides to the beach, star gazing by Lake Berryessa and hearing big plans for B & H Speed Shop.  They were just good people, fun friends... and they are missed!  I'm certain they're in a better place now, making someone else smile.