Terry N. Tallis

Terry Tallis (1940 – 2025)
Terrence "Terry" Tallis, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, with his wife of 63 years, Janet Tallis, at his side.
Born November 8, 1940, in the company-owned lumber town of Hilt, California-where Sunkist once milled the wooden boxes that carried its oranges-Terry was the eldest son of William and Irene Tallis. He grew up amid the pines of far-northern California, developed a lifelong love of photography and the creative arts, and, true to form, would later chronicle the visual and written history of Hilt, producing several books.
Terry attended Southern Oregon State University where he was quite active, serving as the Siskiyou Hall president, President of Alpha Phi Omega, the manager of the Student Union for 2 years, the 2nd VP of the Student Body, and on the golf team! But as he said many times, his greatest accomplishment at college was meeting his future wife, Janet Snodgrass. Jan finished her college degree early and they were married December 29, 1962, and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Together they raised 3 children, Jenny, Brad and Barry Tallis.
Professional Life
Terry got the opportunity to work on the cutting-edge of technology throughout his career. During college, Terry worked part-time maintaining the scientific equipment that the Boeing Company had to measure whistler (low frequency) radio waves. After graduation, he joined Aerojet and served as their chair of engineering change board for several years, often working directly with the Air Force on their missile contracts. After Aerojet, Terry was wooed away by Lockheed to head up their Configuration Data Control department.
Four years later, Terry joined Hewlett-Packard, launching a 30-year career of accomplishment that placed him on the ground floor of the personal-electronics revolution. He helped introduce several landmark products-including HP's first calculator watch and first inkjet printer - served as a marketing director for many years and drove the business strategy for several divisions of the company. After his several decades of success, he was able to retire early and join his wife Jan who had retired after 30 years as an elementary school teacher.
In retirement, Jan and Terry thrived-enjoying travel and always immersed in new creative pursuits: Jan with her quilting, sewing, knitting, and embroidery; Terry with his painting and drawing.
Creative Passions
Photography: the family's official photographer and historian, Terry's work captured the day to day life of his children as well as nature photography, as well as publishing a hands-on field guide to photography.
Terry researched and published several detailed historical volumes due to his interest in preserving the history of his small town: Hilt Schoolhouses (Vols. I & II), as well as Hilt Historical Photos.
Fine art: A gifted colored-pencil, watercolor and marquetry artist, Terry's work graced the front cover of Colored Pencil magazine (July 2011) and the back page of Fine Woodworking after a solo show at the Corvallis Arts Center in the early 1980s. A lifelong learner, he was very active in various art-related groups throughout his retirement.
Community: Terry lent time and talent to the Colored Pencil Society of America, Valley Viewfinders Camera Club, Vistas & Vineyards plein-air painters, and the Corvallis Art Guild. He also was an active volunteer in the United Way of Oregon and helped drive some of their strategic planning during his tenure.
Terry was also an avid Boy Scout growing up and achieved Eagle Scout status and later assisted his sons Barry and Brad in the process of obtaining their Eagle Scout badge as well.
Terry's Signature
Puns were Terry's passion. Whether captioning a family photo or lightening a tough day at HP, he could weave a groaner faster than most people could find their car keys and published a Christmas Book of Puns to share his favorites. His humor, paired with his creativity and meticulous eye for detail, is what friends will miss most.
Loved Ones
Terry is survived by his wife, Janet Tallis; his brother, Gary Tallis; three children-Jenny Tallis (married to David Rounds), Brad Tallis (married to Kris Tallis), and Barry Tallis (married to Dennette Tallis); eleven grandchildren-Violet, Hayden, Cameron, Rosemary, Michael, Laura, William, Mahlia, Peyton, Rylee, and Parker-and two great-grandchildren, Enoch and Gideon. All will forever treasure Grandpa's photo albums and playful spirit.
Memorial Service
A celebration of Terry's life will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe, Corvallis, Oregon 97330. A reception will follow at 2:00pm, featuring some of Terry's award-winning artwork.
First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis OR
Join us online:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87216687094?pwd=imQ2ar81wKU8kUho9D6eBgbO8cFeSM.1
In Lieu of Flowers
The family suggests honoring Terry's memory with a donation to any of the arts organizations he loved, or simply by picking up a camera, a colored pencil, or a well-timed pun and sharing joy with someone you love.