May 10, 1943 - March 26, 2015
Terry James Wight, 71, of Ferndale, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 26 in Blaine, WA. Born in Bellingham to Donald and Ellen Wight, he lived most of his life in Whatcom County.
Terry graduated from Bellingham High School and joined the United States Air Force soon after. He was a Medical Service Specialist during the Vietnam War stationed at Travis AFB in California. Upon leaving the USAF, he joined the Solano County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff and eventually made his way home to join the Bellingham Police Department, where he enjoyed a very successful career as a Patrolman and Homicide Detective. He was an SSG in the United States Army Reserves serving as Drill Sergeant at Vancouver Barracks.
Terry was passionate about serving his country and his community. He proudly served in many positions at the American Legion Post 86 in Blaine, WA. A great storyteller and a dependable friend with a spirited sense of humor, he was a caring and loving man with a look that could scare the most hardened criminal and make small children weak in the knees (just ask the nephews), all while he was laughing on the inside. He was a man with a sneaky side that was continually looking for the next chance to pull a prank on an unsuspecting bystander.
Terry Wight was a loving companion to Glenda Underwood, beloved father to Tracy (Steve) Smith, Tammy (David) Bond, Melanie Wight and Tim (Kelly) Jensen; an ornery yet caring brother to Gary (Marilyn) Wight, Doug (Lynn) Wight, Barbara (Pat Lipp) Wight and Steve (Carol) Wight; and a favorite yet cantankerous uncle to many. He was an inspiring grandfather to Jared, Ryan, Sydney, Carly, Lauren and Matthew, and was the proud great-grandfather to Ryder James and Landyn.
Memorial services with Military Honors for Terry will be held at the Beachwood Resort Clubhouse at 5001 Bay Rd. on Saturday, April 11 at 1 p.m. in Blaine. The family asks that memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made in Terry’s name to the Blaine-Peace Arch American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Dr., Blaine, WA 98230.
