Obituary: Terry Darling
Author: Family of Terry Darling
Family of Terry Darling
Terry Ray Darling, age 71, of Townsend, Montana, passed away peacefully in his home on March 30, 2025.
Terry, or “TD” as many knew him, was the first of 6 children born to Wesley and Betty (Terry) Darling on July 28, 1953, in Flint, Michigan. Terry attended Kearsley schools and graduated with the class of 1971. Following high school, Terry began his lifelong career with General Motors working in the V8 engine plant.
Many would describe Terry as one-of-a-kind. He had an infectious laugh and a charming smile that could win anyone over. He was wise, loving, quick-witted, hardworking, strong-willed, caring, and maybe a bit wild in his younger days. He would do anything for his family and friends and was always looked to for advice by others.
Most of Terry’s vacation days over the years were used to spend time at the family cabin fishing on Long Lake, hunting in the Maltby Hills, or camping in the U.P. with his family.
In 1999, Terry decided it was time to make a change and moved his family to Minnesota, where he retired from GM in 2003.
As an avid outdoorsman, Terry felt the need to make one final move to the mountains of Montana in 2006. This is where he realized he was too young to retire and began working at the KOA campground on Canyon Ferry Lake for many years. He not only perfected his tan by being outdoors every day, but he fulfilled his need to always be doing some sort of labor.
Terry was full of knowledge about history and wars through the documentaries he watched and many books that he read. He had an impressive collection of DVDs, most of which were Westerns that he could watch time and time again. Though he lived two time zones west, he never stopped cheering for his Detroit teams. He had extensive knowledge about the history of the Tigers and loved that the Lions finally had some winning seasons.
Terry’s passing has left a void in many hearts that can never be filled, as he was truly one of the best.
Terry’s memory lives on through his wife, Pat Daughenbaugh, his daughters Kelly (Troy) Bongers, April (Chad) Brewster, grandchildren Araya, Shiloh, Henley, Kane, Lexa, Holly, Luke, Tanner, Hunter, brothers Randy (Maureen) Darling, Tom Darling, Rod (Judy) Darling, sisters Cindy (Mark) Swanson, Cheryl (Mark) Bloomfield, and many nieces and nephews.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Betty Darling; uncle Archie Darling; uncle Mick Terry; aunt Cecelia Terry; cousin Mike Terry; nephew Beau Curtis; and best friend Charlie Asperger.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Michigan this summer with details to come.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Family of Terry Darling
Image 1 Caption: Terry Darling
Photo Provided by Family of Terry Darling
