- Date Of Birth: July 8, 1943
- Date Of Death: December 8, 2022
- State: Idaho
Terry Esslinger, 79, passed away December 8th, 2022, surrounded by family in his home after a brief illness.
Born on July 8th, 1943 in Inglewood, California to Carlton D. “Jerry” Esslinger and Doris Williams, his life became one of extended blessings and prolonged love. Terry was the older brother of Donna and Ron, who tell tales of his mischievous and active youth, one blooming with vibrant memories of the 40s and 50s where Terry could often be found competing against fellow peers at water polo, swimming laps in the pool, diving off higher and higher ledges, or even lifeguarding (likely so he can scrounge together even more excuses to find his way into water).
He eventually graduated as a letterman from Fullerton Union High in 1961. Searching for further fulfillment and a start to an ambitious life of his own, he attended Fullerton Junior College before transferring to Northwestern University where he obtained a doctorate in Dental Surgery, but, more importantly, met the love of his life Alice Kagy. During their courtship in 1969, Terry joined the Air Force. Stationed at Walla Walla, Washington, Terry went on to become a Captain; however, he never lost his love for Alice, making his way back to her, and the pair found themselves married on February 21, 1970 in Salem, Illinois.
Terry and Alice had two children, Rebecca and Brian. Together they raised their two kids in Northern California, where Terry practiced dentistry for 40 years and became an active member in the Southern Alameda County Dental Society. His storied life only continued to build, chapter after chapter, as he won the 1979 and 1980 NHRA Fall National Super Stock Championships, bred, raised, and showed Arabian horses, and volunteered for 20 years as a firefighter for the San Ramon Valley Fire District.
He did all this while continuing to be an amazing husband and father.
During his retirement, Terry traveled throughout the western United States in his RV with his wife and his puppy, Ariel, continuing his volunteer work at both National and Regional parks. The friends he made while on these trips, both in life and on internet forums (he loved those!), brought much entertainment to his later years. This solitude and comforting life, exploring nature, and sneaking snacks to his dog, brought him immense and everlasting joy.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Esslinger; children, Rebecca Hudson and Brian (Andi) Esslinger; grandchildren, Derek, Kayla, Courtney, Dax, Cale, and Jett; and pet, Ariel (mini Australian Shepherd). He will be greatly missed.
