Terry Dietrick Anderson

September 26, 1935  –  January 20, 2024

Terry Dietrick Anderson Obituary

Terry had many titles: father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and fisherman, but his most cherished role was husband. It was a love story that started with a spark, continued with fun and laughter, and ended after 65 years. His wife, director, and gambling partner Susan was his adored bride their entire time together. Terry always said that he was in charge when Susan let him be.

After losing his dad at a young age, Terry and his darling sister Judy were raised by their hardworking mother, Odie. During his time in Payette, Idaho, Terry was often seen fishing on the river, climbing on the roof of the house or causing chaos with a grin. Some thought he might end up in prison but instead he became a high school teacher after making a connection with one of his high school teachers. Off he went to University of Idaho to become the “Terry Tuna” & “Mr. Wonderful” teacher and coach that students would love for over 35 years. His teaching style focused on connecting with students first, and not always through “standard” teaching practices. His innovative (and sometimes legendary) methods included student trips to Ma and Pa’s donut shop, talks about values, nozzlers, and once exchanging an entire classroom during break while a student slept.

The father and grandfather are the same person that his students and athletes knew in the classroom, on the field, and in the community: caring, affectionate, and unpredictable in his humor, but always accepting and non-judgmental.

Terry and Susan moved to Yreka, CA in 1969 after hearing about the job opening at Yreka High School from Bob Weber, a lifelong friend he met in grad school. Bob’s daughter Georgia Conroy (and husband Richard) remain cherished family friends to this day. All of Terry’s colleagues were his friends and often the target of his jokes. Mary Ann Dillon, George Marlatt and Jim Eckman were just a few that we remember fondly for their contributions to his rich life.

A self-taught fisherman, Terry could be seen every fall rowing his drift boat “Cirrhosis of the River” on the Klamath with Susan sitting in the front well into his 70’s. His many grandchildren had Terry there as they pulled salmon out of the river. They continue his legacy of fishing and having a deep understanding that sometimes everyone needs a good ribbing.

His 6 granddaughters will each miss being the favorite and his many cuddles. His 6 grandsons will miss his army stories and smart-ass remarks. His sons, David and Jim, will miss salmon fishing and constantly being entertained while floating on the river. His daughters, Julie and Kathryn, will miss his silliness, but they are both still a little angry that he died. Susan will miss his attitude, he did not complain. We will not miss his stubbornness.

Terry was also a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan. On the day of his passing, he was adamant that they needed to watch the NFL playoff game between the 49ers and the Packers. The 49ers won in a nail-biter 24-21. Terry passed away shortly after the game, with the knowledge that the 49ers Super Bowl hopes were still alive.

The Anderson family feel blessed by the entire Yreka community that were such a big part of “a life well lived”. Amazing neighbors, fishing buddies, fellow coaches, students, athletes, love circle couples and crazy friends made for a full and loving life.

We trust that Terry has already been greeted by his father Fred with a fishing pole in his hand, along with his “brothers,” Mark and Richard, sitting on the deck in Idaho watching the osprey and drinking a cocktail.

Terry is survived by his wife Susan, his four children, James (Catherine), David (Mary), Julie (Michael), and Kathryn; his sister Judy (Jim) Hawley; dear sister-in-law Patricia Perry; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a deeply loved and very large extended family.

“Thanks for calling, it was great to hear your voice.”

Thanks for living, we already miss hearing your voice.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday February 3, 2024 from 12-3, at Miner’s Convention Center

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Madrone Hospice Inc. who were angels in their care for Terry. https://www.madronehospice.org/ 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, Ca 96097

Celebration Of Life

Saturday, February 3, 2024

12:00PM – 3:00PM

Miners Inn Convention Center
238 N. Main Street
Yreka, CA 96097

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