Terry Eugene Palm, 74, entered into God’s keeping at his home on February 14, 2020, following a cancer-related illness.
He was born on April 3, 1945, in Flint, Michigan, the younger son of Gus George Palm and Ina Linnea Palm (nee Magnuson), immigrants from Sweden.
After graduating from Southwestern Community High School, Terry was employed by Buick Motor Company, then drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Sam, San Antonio. The Army recognized his potential as a medic. Terry excelled in working in the amputee and burns unit at Brooks General Hospital during the Vietnam era. At the end of two years of service, he returned to Flint and Buick.
Later, he decided to follow his dream. Terry moved to Islamorada – sports fishing capital of the world – the Florida Keys, where he began as a captain’s mate at Bud ‘N Mary’s and was later awarded his United States Coast Guard license to captain and navigate passenger-carrying vessels. That was the start of his magical journey as captain of private charter and sports fishing boats. He was known as “Captain Clean” and was also a highly skilled diesel engine mechanic.
After 45 years in the Keys, Terry decided to return to Gaylord, Northern Michigan, and pursue his other passions, fly fishing, and dancing. He especially loved salsa and argentine tango. He moved to the beautiful community of Michaywe. After some months, Terry met his partner, Corinne Reed Clancy, originally from England, who then lived on Hilton Head Island, SC.
Terry was preceded in death by his father, Gus and older brother, Robert Palm, and subsequently by his mother, Ina, who passed at 102 years of age.
Terry was a humble man, but he cut a dashing figure on the dance floor with his dazzling personality and beguiling smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially by his beloved partner of 5 ½ years, Corinne. He leaves behind many cousins in South Dakota and lifelong friends, Ron Bodette and wife Lana. Also, Corinne’s family who adored him – one especially, Corinne’s nephew, Graham Reed.
Terry will be cremated, and his ashes interred at Eden Cemetery, Hudson, South Dakota, alongside his mother and father and other family members, on a date yet to be determined.
A “Dance for Terry” will celebrate his life at Zoe’s Dance Studio in Petoskey. Date to be confirmed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otsego County – The Humane Society, 225 W. Main Street, Gaylord, MI
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
12 comments on “Terry Palm”
I only met this great man once, but the memories, conversations and reflections we shared on life will live with me forever……and Terry, I will still dine out on some of the great stories you shared with me as we walked around London Town togeher. Keep an eye out in that great Tuna Tower in the sky for me. Love forever Graham, Nicki, Harris, Renee, Mister Noodles and Wildred xx
Terry was a great guy. We have thought him about often. We will always have our great memories of catching fresh tuna (who Terry sold to the Green Turtle) and dinner at the Green Turtle that nite. Then our fun trip down to Key West and Sloppy Joes. He had a great sense of humor, great smile, love the Spinners. Knew every song. He will be missed. Kirk and Renee Lueckeman.
Thank you Renee. That’s a lovely memory. Yes, he knew the words of songs better than me and I’m a singer ! He supported me in that and loved to watch and hear me sing. My life will never be the same without him. Corinne
Missing you today Uncle Terry. I’m trying to be strong, but I am hurting inside. I still can’t get my head round it that you are gone from us all, especially me, Aunty Corinne and Graham. We will never ever forget you Uncle Terry. You always cheered up over the phone and I will always cherish those special moments. You knew how to get me back on track, and always made me laugh. Thank you for being my uncle, I love you now and will for ever more. Rest in peace Uncle Terry.
My brother sent this notification to me. He and I graduated with Terry from Flint Southwestern High School. Terry picked me up at my house to go to and from work together at Buick Motors in 1964. He had a new burgundy colored Buick Skylark with a four speed floor shifter. He had just gotten a reverberator installed; a state of the art box that was fastened in the trunk and wired to his radio that reverberated the music, sounding similar to an echo chamber. Terry liked music. He had a quiet nature and a kind demeanor. I never saw him upset. I did not see him again after he went in the military, as we went in different directions. I am sure his family and friends will miss him greatly. I have fond memories of him and his smiling personality.I am glad to hear he lived a happy life.
Thank you so much for posting this. . My personal email is Corinne@Hargray.com should you wish to be in touch. The story about the Skylark was lovely. I have a photograph of him with that. Yes, his love of music continued as did his love of dancing grow. We enjoyed 5 magical years. Life will never be the same without him. Corinne
My uncle Terry was a gentlemen who enjoyed dancing with my aunty Corinne who he leaves behind and me, his niece, Vicki. I can say I love him, he was my uncle. The times we had a laugh over the phone and the times when he told me off about my health, but he always put me on the right direction. Thank you uncle Terry, I will never ever forget you. You will be in my heart always, I will always love you, Vicki.
Although I didn’t have a chance to see Terry in later life, I was a classmate of Terry’s and friend of Ron’s. We attended School together at Zimmerman and Southwestern High. I remember Terry as an all around fun loving good guy! I wish I would have had the chance to reconnect with Terry in later life! I’m sure he will be missed by his many friends and family. RIP and dance up a storm above!
Thank you for posting Carl. Terry drove me past his home and showed me Zimmerman School, quite a few times. He was a great story teller so I feel as though I know many of you from his recounts. I will let Ron know you left comments. Yes, no doubt about it, he’ll be dancing up a storm in Heaven. We have a dance floor at the house, it’s awfully empty without him.
We are sorry to have learned of Terry’s passing. Our prayers are with your family. – friends at Frieberg, Nelson & Ask, South Dakota
Thank you Sarah. I’ll be in touch.
Uncle Terry, I still can’t believe you have gone. The 14th of this month will be the hardest day without you. I still miss you to this day, I feel so lost without you but I will always look up at that shining star and know its you Uncle Terry. I will never ever forget you, you’re always within my heart. Aunty C and I will always love you but this year were not celebrating Valentine’s Day as it wouldn’t be right, it wouldn’t feel right. One thing I do know is that you will always be my special Uncle and I will always love you Uncle Terry, your niecie Vicky. xxx