Terry W. Anson

Terry W. Anson - where the "W" stood for Wonderful

Terry W. Anson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born November 26, 1940, near Cascade, Idaho - a winter arrival that became family legend. When his mother went into labor, his parents traveled 26 miles through the snow from a mining camp, pulled by sled, before reaching the hospital where he was born. The "W" in his name never officially stood for anything, at least according to him. He liked to say it meant Wonderful. Whether that was a joke, a quiet truth, or a lifelong practical joke was something only he knew.

His family moved to California in 1950, packing everything into a single suitcase and driving from Idaho in search of a warmer climate and a fresh start. Terry attended Gustine High School, where he formed meaningful friendships, played all-state football and basketball, and became known for his humor and easygoing spirit - a natural class character who later served as class president after attending Boys State. When he wasn't at school, he worked alongside his father in carpentry, the beginning of a lifelong path of craftsmanship and problem-solving.

After attending UC Davis for 2½ years, Terry was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a carpenter at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Even in the military, he found ways to build - creating models, terrain displays, and prototypes - work he spoke about with pride long after his service ended.

After his honorable discharge, Terry returned home and met the girl next door, Sally. Somewhere between easy conversation and shared laughter, a lifelong partnership began. Terry and Sally married on May 23, 1970, building a marriage full of playful teasing, shared humor, and a deep love of family.

Terry spent his career as a contractor known for innovation and craftsmanship. He owned his own company, and became especially known for his work building wineries and industrial projects that still stand today - places his family can point out while driving by. He was the person people went to when something needed to be figured out or when advice was needed.

At home, his shop was the center of life: cars, motorcycles, tools, sawdust, and the faint sweetness of cherry pipe tobacco. He built cars, furniture, cradles, rocking horses, boats, puzzles, and countless handmade pieces for the people he loved. His favorite automotive build was a 1958 Corvette, alongside a custom off-road vehicle he proudly called the "T-Rex."

He loved camping in the wilderness, singing folk songs around campfires, cooking tri-tip and sticky barbecue chicken, solving newspaper puzzles in record time, and meeting friends early for coffee. He sang bluegrass, told jokes, challenged grandkids with tongue twisters, and believed deeply that anything was possible if you put your mind to it.

More than anything, Terry was present. He showed love by always being there for family and by showing up - fixing, building, advising, teaching. He was a wise, steady presence, a playful husband, a devoted father, and a loving grandfather who taught hands-on skills, encouraged curiosity, and found joy in watching the next generation grow. He loved Disneyland not for the rides, but for the look on his grandchildren's faces.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; his sons, Sean and Terry; daughters-in-law, Heather E. and Heather M.; four grandchildren - Ryan, Timothy, Alyssa, and Lily - and two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Sophie; and his sister, La Verne. He leaves behind projects that will stand for decades and lessons that will last even longer.

Those who knew him will remember his witty humor, his craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence that problems could be solved. And now, we finally all know that the "W" really did stand for Wonderful after all.