Terry Michael Wyatt

1943 - 2024

TERRY MICHAEL WYATT

June 9, 1943 March 20, 2024

Terry Michael Wyatt was born in Bakersfield, California to Wilbur Ulysses and Claire (McCarthy) Wyatt on June 9, 1943. As an only child he was certainly the apple of their eye.

Terry went to local Bakersfield Schools and graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1961. His parents owned and operated Tejon Meat Company for many years and at the age of 18 Terry joined them and started his career as a butcher. He worked hard over the years, taking over as owner operator in 1971 and soon regular customers turned into good friends as he cut and sold meat from the store and to many restaurants of the day. Terry was always willing to show others his craft and offer his help. He taught numerous high school students enrolled in the ROC program and many are still in the industry today.

It was at Garces that Terry established lifelong friendships and he was also featured in the high school newspaper for the best car of the month. Most importantly it was there that he met and eventually married the love of his life Susan Olivia Sill. She was from a very large family and the eldest of 8 children. Immediately upon marriage Terry became the brother-in-law to 7 siblings... and eventually to all of their spouses. Cindy Laird (Steve), Sally Hurley, Katie Vorhees (Mike), Hugh Sill (Carrie Ann), Christy Hynds (Don), Casey Friedlander (Sandy), and George Sill (Doloris). George, the youngest of the 8 spent much time at Terry and Susan's house and a special bond formed. Everyone considered Terry a good listener and he definitely had time to practice with 7 brothers-in-law and 7 sisters-in-law!

After marrying 62 years ago they soon welcomed a daughter, Michelle and a few years later a son, Michael. Together they would raise Michelle and Michael taking them to sports and school activities, showing by example the value of hard work, and instilling in them a love for family through constant interaction with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Working hard, being responsible, and showing up to help when a family member or a friend was in need was always a top priority. Susan eventually pursued a career in Real Estate and Terry supported her in this endeavor and was always there to assist her should the need arise. Vacations were spent visiting Cambria, the Shaver Lake Cabin, and many other areas around the state to see extended family and spend time barbecuing, target shooting, and working on various projects for others. These memories are priceless to all who knew and loved Terry. He was known as Uncle Terry to numerous nieces and nephews and eventually would come to be known as beloved Papa Terry to 5 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was always willing to help not only his family members but friends and acquaintances who might need it. He and Susan were always ready to assist in taking care of grandkids and taking them on all kinds of adventures, even traveling all over the country to do so.

Terry will be missed by all who knew him. He considered his brothers-in-law as if they were his own brothers and his sisters-in-law like sisters as well. Terry enthusiastically attended all of the Garces class reunions over the years. He also had a very special bond with Jim Montoya his Godfather and confirmation sponsor. They stayed in touch and spoke often over the years and many times while he was in the hospital. Terry and Susan attended St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church where they enjoyed Father Perry's sermons. It was not unusual for Terry to research things he had heard at church on the computer and in the end talking about Heaven and prayer was a comfort to him.

Terry - beloved husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and Papa passed away in his sleep on March 20, 2024 and will be missed and remembered always for his humble way and willingness to always lend a hand. May he rest in peace eternally.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Claire Wyatt, in-laws Hugh and Betty Sill, brother-in-law Hugh Sill Jr and his nephew George Caratan Sill. He is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughter Michelle Havens, son Michael Wyatt and wife Angela, grandchildren Thomas Havens and Cassie, Hannah Havens, Caroline Wyatt-Usher, Lilly Wyatt, Julia Wyatt, and great-grandchildren Barrett and Walker Havens.

In the end Terry never complained even though he did not feel well... instead he asked continually how everyone in the family was doing and looked forward to visits and the phone calls he received. He spent his last days surrounded by his loved ones.

The family would like to thank special friends Robert and Talena Lank for all of their help, Brookdale Assisted Living Building B and Hoffmann Hospice for their gentleness, compassion and caring they bestowed upon Terry and the entire family.

A graveside service will be held at Historic Union Cemetery on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

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