Terrence Lee McGettigan's Obituary
Terrence "Terry" Lee McGettigan, was born in Wallace, Idaho to Walter and Hazel McGettigan on July 17, 1943. His family soon moved to Carnation, Washington where Terry started grade school. They soon moved to Cedar Hills where his dad was the minister of the Cedar Hills Church of Christ, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Terry graduated from Sunset High School in 1961. He then joined the Marine Corps, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal and Marksmanship Badge. Terry trained as a tracked vehicle mechanic. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on September 11, 1964.
Upon his return from the Marine Corps, Terry attended Oregon State University, as have his three children. Terry married Linda Hood in 1979. They had two children, Nicholas and Michelle. Terry and Linda later divorced.
In his early life, Terry worked on a fishing boat, built his A-Frame house, and owned and operated a long-haul truck as a contractor for Atlas and Global Van Lines Moving Companies which gave him the opportunity to see most of the United States. With Global, Terry received their Award of Excellence for compliance with safety regulations, adherence to high quality standards, and performance of superior overall service. After Global, Terry worked as Warehouse Manager for Stereo Super Stores, as well as the Moore Company. While at Stereo Super Stores, Terry met his future wife, Cora VanOsdol. Together, they purchased their little farm in downtown Warren in 1988 and in 1991, welcomed their daughter, Teri Jo.
As the Moore Company closed in 2006, Terry found himself at a crossroad. He was 63 and felt no one would hire an “old guy”, so he decided to take early retirement. Terry kept very busy working on farm projects like maintaining the fruit orchard he had planted, building horse shelters and fencing, and later a four-stall barn and a machine shed. He completed these projects while TJ was at school and Cora was at work. As Cora and Teri Jo became busy with community volunteer activities, Terry supported them whole heartedly.
Terry was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his brother Mike (Sherry); his son Nicholas; his daughters Michelle (Jackson), and Teri Jo (Joshua); his two grandchildren, Jacob and Scotlyn; and his wife, Cora. Upon marrying Cora, Terry gained 8 sisters-in-law and 6 brothers-in-law as well as countless nieces and nephews.
Please join us after this Celebration for a bite to eat and more fellowship.
What’s your fondest memory of Terrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terrence?
Share a story where Terrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terrence you’ll never forget.
How did Terrence make you smile?
