More detail on this person: Terry Glenn Opdahl,
age 70, entered into rest on March 16, 2017, at
his home in Redondo Beach, CA, due to heart
failure. He was born in Chicago, IL, on November
15, 1946, to Leonard and Lenore (Clancy). At a
very young age they moved to Southern California
where he lived all but four years when he served
in the U.S Army.
Terry joined the service in 1968 and served his
Country admirably during the Vietnam War, earning
the rank of CW4. He received an honorable
discharge in 1971. His bravery flying helicopters
earned him numerous medals, including three Air
Medals for Valor, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry,
and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his
service in Vietnam, Terry had a very rewarding and
successful career as an executive with State Farm
Insurance for 35 years. He also continued to fly
helicopters for the National Guard for 26 years.
Terry's family and friends remember him for his
integrity, intellect and goodness, sense of humor,
generosity, and genuine friendship. He traveled
extensively with his wife Judith; they sailed in
the British Virgin Islands for 15 years. He spent
many years fishing with close buddies, and loved
to talk helicopters and cars and tell jokes.
He is survived by his wife Judith; "kids" Lisa,
Daren and Damon Howe and Adam Farris; his
adored grandchildren, Stone Howe (8) and Addison
Farris (12); sister; Midge, and brother Dan. He
was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 31
at 2:00pm at the Green Hills Memorial Park Chapel
in Rancho Palos Verdes, with Rev. Michael
Moorhead officiating. Military rites will be
conducted and a private celebration of life will
immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry's memory
can be made to the Cancer Support Community
Redondo Beach, 109 W. Torrance Blvd, Ste. 100,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277, also honoring his wife,
Judith, who is a 27-year cancer survivor.
Please sign the guestbook,
www.dailybreeze.com/obits
Published in Daily Breeze from Mar. 23 to Mar. 25,
2017
This information was last updated 03/23/2017
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