Terry Dischinger

1940 - 2023

Terry Dischinger obituary, 1940-2023, Portland, OR

Terry Dischinger

1940 - 2023

BORN

1940

DIED

2023

Terry Dischinger Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12, 2023.

Terry Dischinger was a College Basketball Hall of Fame player, three-time NBA All Star, and Olympic Gold Medal winner who became a patent-holding orthodontist.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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December 14, 2025

H Scott Gehring posted to the memorial.

September 6, 2025

Gary Dailey posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2024

Len Kirschner posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

H Scott Gehring

December 14, 2025

I was a freshman in high school and Dr Dischinger worked in the gym at Schofield Barracks. He would watch me shoot and offer a critique. I became a better player because of him. At the time I had no idea who he was. A humble man God bless him

Gary Dailey

September 6, 2025

Saw him play in Baltimore with the Bullets. Very good player. My wife has dementia. I am so sorry for your loss Keep the memories

Len Kirschner

March 3, 2024

Met him as a kid at a basketball camp in Detroit and then again when he did an Outreach Network at our church in Welches Oregon. Great guy, great speaker, great message.

Denis Harris

January 7, 2024

I´m a 77 year old Indiana kid who lived and breathed Purdue athletics in the 60´s. Later graduated from Ball State and spent a 20 year Air Force career. About 10 years ago, I was running my Indiana sports mouth about memories of my youth to those around me at a local AAA baseball game in Oklahoma City. Suddenly, this tall guy behind says "when you learn my name you´ll want my autograph." I turned, did not recognize the face, and he introduced himself. It was Terry!
Got my autograph and have a lifelong memory. RIP Dr. Terry.

Gail Silva

January 7, 2024

Well. I remember Terry and Mary from Cobo Hall in Detroit (1967-1970). I was a girlfriend of another NBA Piston player and always remembered Mary, Terry's wife. I send her my deepest sympathy. To her and his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Richard E Hauer

October 29, 2023

I worked with Terry Dischinger 15 years ago. He was a man's man and a Christian in the truest sense of the word. Godspeed.

Mary Ellen Landry and Lee Landry

October 28, 2023

Lee and Mary Ellen Landry. We have been honored to know Terry's son , Bill and his daughter-in law, Kari Lynn for many years and have seen the heritage that Terry left in the beautiful family he helped to create. There is no greater legacy than that. It's a privilege to know the Dischinger family.

Barb and Bob Danielson

October 24, 2023

Dish and Mary have been great friends since our sophomore year at Purdue (1959). Barb and I have enjoyed many golf trips with them including Pinehurst, Myrtle Beach, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas and many others. I'll always remember Dick Hillabrand and I saving seats in the first row for Mary and Jane McGinley for all the Purdue home games when we all attended Purdue. Also, traveling to Michigan for his last game. (Won by Terry's jumper at the buzzer!) "D" shared his faith with me many times and I know he's now at peace with the Lord. Thanks for all the great memories. Love, Bob & Barb Danielson

Michael Mayhew

October 19, 2023

Terry became a great friend but was first a mentor to me in teaching orthodontic treatment procedures way beyond what I learned in residency. Our friendship allowed me to learn so much about his faith, his love for his family and mankind, and his competitive nature on the golf course! I was blessed to cross paths with this giant of a man and will always remember his warmth to humanity and contributions to mankind.

Russ Trudeau

October 16, 2023

Growing up my dad used to speak very highly of Terry. He spoke about what a tremendous basketball player he was, but more importantly the kind of man he was. Terry was one of the primary reasons my dad chose to play for Purdue over Illinois. My condolences to his family. -Doug Trudeau´s son (Russ)

Lori Spencer

October 15, 2023

Dr. Terry was so kind to my son when he needed braces. Then he was also kind to me when my son lost his retainer. Such a pleasant man. I enjoyed my communications with him for his Blazers tickets. He will be missed.

JF

October 15, 2023

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Farrah Nabavi

October 15, 2023

"Dr. Terry Dischinger served as my orthodontist, and I had the honor of being his very first patient for the herps braces. I vividly recall those early days when other doctors observed and praised his work, and I always eagerly awaited my visits to his office. The news of his sudden departure has filled me with deep sorrow. My most heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Dischinger family during this trying time. I feel truly fortunate to have known such an extraordinary individual."

Pete Newell Jr.

October 13, 2023

I met Terry during August 1960 while he was earning a Starting Position on the USA Olympic Basketball Team at age 19.
Terry carried himself with Dignity and Quiet Confidence.
Even then, Faith and Family were the Foundations to the Person he was.
May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

Dick Cronn

October 12, 2023

I will always remember the strong faith in our Lord that Terry had and his sharing this with others. To spend some time with him and Mary was wonderful at a friend's home several times. It was amazing to see Terry and Mary in a restaurant in Kyiv Ukraine years ago as they were visiting their son and daughter-in-law who were there as missionaries. I was able to spend a couple evenings with their children while there over the next few weeks after Terry and Mary headed home. My life was truly blessed having known Terry. Mary and family are in our prayers as we know his is with his Lord.

RB

October 12, 2023

Just an all around great NBA player, he made his mark on and off the court. Sincere condolences to the Dischinger family, God be with you all, sorry for your loss.

Elizabeth Bell

October 11, 2023

Mr.Terry

Rich Seymour

October 11, 2023

Terry was an exceptional person.He will be missed by many. Played golf with him at Mary Dischinger´s high school reunion. Always a smile and so engaging.

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Sign Terry Dischinger's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 14, 2025

H Scott Gehring posted to the memorial.

September 6, 2025

Gary Dailey posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2024

Len Kirschner posted to the memorial.