Terry McAlister
June 24, 1952 — November 14, 2014
Terry James McAlister
Terry was born to Art and Darlene in Longview, WA on June 24, 1952. He was the middle child with big brother Artie and younger brother David. Terry entered the Marines at the age of 17 and served until he was honorably discharged 4 years later. He said that he chose the Marines because they were the toughest and he was always proud of being one. He married his first wife, Linda, shortly thereafter. During their 14 years of marriage, they had 4 children together: Dawna, Jessica, James, and Christopher. After he and Linda divorced, he met Becky. They were married on October 21, 1988 and welcomed their only child, Danielle, on March 25, 1990. Terry spent most of his work life in the construction industry. He started out doing sheetrock and then moved on to start his own remodeling business in the late 80’s. Two of the proudest moments in his life were watching Dani receive her master’s degree in June 2013 and walking her down the aisle when she married her love, Justin, in July 2014. He also had a special relationship with his niece Heather, who gave him the well-earned nickname, “Uncle Terry dude sir, crazy driver sir.” This last year has been full of so much happiness for Terry…hanging out with his best buddies Guy and Corey, spending quality time with Becky, Dani and Justin, and riding his beloved Harley.
Terry left us way too soon and will be missed so much. He was known for being spontaneous, generous and outspoken. He loved with his whole heart and only wanted the best for those he loved…and of course, he always thought he knew what was best. He was a proud man…proud of his family, his home, and his work. While he wasn’t perfect, he was a good man. When we chose a word to be etched on his niche, we could have chosen “loved” because of course he was, but the word that came to mind was “loving” because that was how he lived…loving us every day.
Terry is survived by his wife Becky, children: Dawna, James, Christopher, and Danielle, grandchildren: Katrina, Alissa, Cody, Savannah, Alesa, and Hayden, and brother David.