Terry Anthony Strong
November 4, 1946 – September 2, 2026

Terry Strong, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbor, went to be with the Lord on September 2, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived. Terry was a man of deep faith, a generous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unwavering willingness to help others. He believed in God and in heaven, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is now home.

Terry grew up on a dairy farm in the Arcata Bottoms with his siblings, Harry, Vivian (Sis), and Dane. He attended Janes Elementary School and later became part of the first eighth-grade class to graduate from Pacific Union Elementary School. The family then relocated to Ferndale to grow their dairy operation, just in time for Terry to start his freshman year at Ferndale High School.

Terry was active in FFA, where he showed dairy cattle and registered Polled Hereford cattle. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1964 and went on to attend Modesto Junior College for a semester. During Christmas break that year, the devastating 1964 flood affected his family and their dairy, leaving Terry unable to return to school as planned. Rather than return and have to make up his classes, he chose to come home and help his family with the dairy.

From a young age, Terry understood the value of hard work. Growing up on the dairy in Arcata, he and his brothers did their chores together. Because they were small, it often took all the boys working side by side to get the job done. As they grew older and the family moved to Ferndale, they were able to take on their own responsibilities. That strong work ethic became a defining part of Terry’s life.

Terry began dating Pat (Meng) Cowan in early 1965, and the two were married later that year. They shared 17 years of marriage and together raised their two daughters, Shelley and Kristie. Terry worked on the family dairy and later went to work for Boynton Dairy after the family dairy was sold. He eventually began working for Johnson & Carter Fuel Company and continued with Renner Petroleum, where he spent an incredible 52 years driving a fuel truck.

In 1988, Terry married Donna Hymen Strong. They shared 37 years together, building a life filled with family, friendship, hard work, laughter, and countless memories. Terry and Donna also had a second place in Honeydew, which became a special place for them. Terry especially enjoyed his time there—taking in the beauty of the valley, working in the vegetable garden, spending time with family and friends, sharing good food and a Bud Light, enjoying plenty of humor, and simply enjoying life. His years and memories in Honeydew held a special place in his heart.

Terry was a devoted family man. His greatest pride was his girls and his grandchildren. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and was one of their biggest fans. His grandchildren all agree that one of the things that made their Papa so special was the positivity he brought with him wherever he went. No matter what kind of room he walked into, Terry brought positivity into it. His warmth, humor, and genuine joy had a way of lifting the people around him. His grandchildren will remember a Papa who showed them by example how to work hard, care for others, enjoy life, and bring a little more happiness into the lives of those around them.

Terry was more than an employee to the people he served. He loved his customers, and over the years they became like an extended family. His familiar truck, big wave, friendly smile, and willingness to stop and visit were part of what made Terry so loved throughout the community. For 52 years, he wasn’t simply delivering fuel—he was delivering a smile, a story, a joke, and often a helping hand.

Terry was a true community servant. He served as president of the Ferndale High School Wildcat Booster Club and volunteered for many years with the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active member of the Eel River Masonic Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master. He loved his time in the Honeydew and Mattole Valley and could always be counted on to lend a hand, whether it was helping with a benefit, a barbecue, or simply whatever needed to be done. He also loved participating in the Spirit of Ferndale Flag project whenever he had the opportunity.

Terry was generous with both his time and his resources. He regularly donated to numerous nonprofits and was often the first person to volunteer when someone needed help. He never seemed to look for recognition; helping others was simply who he was.

Those who knew Terry will remember his incredible sense of humor. He could always be counted on for a good joke or prank, and he rarely missed an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face. He embodied what it meant to love thy neighbor. He had a big heart, a generous spirit, and a way of making people feel welcome. Whether it was a big wave from his truck, a quick joke, or an unexpected act of kindness, Terry had a way of brightening someone’s day.

Terry also treasured his daily coffee meetings with the guys at the Red Front Store. That group of friends became an important part of his life and a tremendous source of support, friendship, and laughter. He loved those mornings and the fellowship they brought.

A lifelong Oakland Raiders fan, Terry enjoyed sports, family gatherings, community events, and just about any opportunity to be around people he loved. He attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and was a believer in God and the promise of heaven.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Shelley (Rob) Macdonald and Kristie (Trevor) Christiansen; his four grandchildren, Jessica (Paul) Brown, Will Macdonald, Jenner Christiansen, and Kannon Christiansen; and his great-grandchildren, Danny and Cooper Brown, with Bella Vigil soon joining the family as a granddaughter-in-law. He is also survived by his brothers, Harry Strong and Dane Strong; his sister, Vivian Fabri; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends who were blessed to know him.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Strong; his father, Christopher Strong; and his mother, Vivian Frady.

Terry leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or accomplishments alone, but in the lives he touched. He taught his family the value of hard work, the importance of helping a neighbor, the joy of a good joke, and the power of showing up for the people you love.

He was a man with a big heart, a big wave, and an even bigger capacity to give.

His family and the community will miss his laughter, his stories, his jokes, his generosity, and his unmistakable presence. Most of all, they will miss their Papa, Dad, brother, and friend.

Terry lived his life with faith, hard work, humor, and love. He gave generously, served faithfully, and loved deeply.

He was, and always will be, deeply loved.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the Ferndale Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Terry’s memory to Ferndale High Athletics, 1231 Main Street, Ferndale, CA 95536, or Mountain of Mercy, P.O. Box 55, Honeydew, CA 95545.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Terry Strong’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.