My condolences to Andrea and Terry George. I was shocked when read that Terry had passed. I met Terry in 2000 when I started working in the 477 office with him under Lynn Forcia. Terry was always a kind and objective coworker. I learned a lot from him about Self Determination and providing a tribally driven program to the 477 tribes. Terry was like a comrade in arms because he had a similar skill of being brutally direct and brutally honest sometimes to our detriment. When Terry left DC for Indian Education in Albuquerque he had let me know things hadn’t worked out as he had hoped because he had left that position to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Terry and I shared mutual friend George Clark, one evening day at the main interior George was making his rounds walking every floor in the Interior he stopped and asked me if I still talked to Terry and I said yes he then said have him call me I want him to come and work with me in Self Determination so the rest is history. I was more than happy to help Terry and his family return to the DC area. I will miss his laugh and unsolicited opinions on life. Farewell my friend you will be missed. Jody LeCompte-Garrison

Best wishes to Terry’s family and friends.

I worked closely with Terry from 2008 to 2016. Terry was a strategist. He hired me, and to a great degree, managed my career with the Special Office of, Self-Determination. I’ve thought of him frequently in the years I left, smiling at his ability to find humor in nearly all of our daily obstacles. We worked together to build on-line courses, and training initiatives that expanded Interior’s mandates to encourage, educate and improve 638 contracting with the tribes and federal projects, programs and initiatives. It was a meaningful time in my life, and I will always remember Terry as a part of it.

Condolences to the family and friends of Terry Parks. I worked with Terry while holding the same responsibility for Self-Determination at the Indian Health Service. We shared many of the same challenges but I admired how he was able to keep a positive perspective on things despite our shared handicap of working for the Federal government. Later, Terry hired me as a contractor after I left the Government to assist his office with Contract Support Costs. He was a good man and cared deeply about leaving things better than they were when he came. Indian Country has lost a great warrior and he will be missed. See you on the other side my brother.

Terry Parks was a wonderful advocate for our association. From our first greetings Terry exuded an accommodating persona of caring to assist our 477 program. As our association continued to work with Terry his contribution in support of our effort displayed his respect to our tribes. He will be missed and remembered. Thank you Terry.

With deep respect, Dimitri Philemonof, President/CEO Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association

My condolences Onnee and Terry Jr. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time. I had the pleasure of working with Terry for over 8 yrs in the Office of Indian Services. He was a good man. I will always remember the first conversation we had. He was talking about the office and got side tracked to another subject, then stopped talking. Terry was considerate and apologized for his language. Said that he talks like that a lot. I just smiled and told him I thought his language was mild considering I came from Tribal DPW but thank you. From that day on I knew we would have some good conversations. Terry will be missed. RIP and travel well my Friend.

My condolences Onnee and Terry Jr. for the loss of Terry, we will miss him dearly. You know we go way back to 2000 when I started work with the 477 Office in DC. We parted ways around 2007 but then he hired me back on in 2016 to assist him in getting the 477 office back together and the funds flowing. With his direction and dedication we acquired more staff and put the Program back on the front line as well as added more federal agencies and tribes. Terry gained more support from the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs to continue the development of the 477 program. More tribal communities are now benefitting by the work he has accomplished and that we will continue to carry on to prosper Indian Country. I send you my blessings and strength during this time. May he soar with the Great Spirit and watch over us until we meet again….

My condolences Onnee and Terry Jr. I will always remember my time with you and the laughs we sheared. Terry was one of the kindest dearest friends I have ever had. All of us playing basketball at night and going to little T’s games are still some of my fondest memories of living out there. I love and miss you guys. GO NINERS! RIP my friend.

Sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers for family, loved ones and friends.
May God’s love and blessings sustain you during this time.
May you rest in peace Terry.
~ Gloria T. Mora
BIA Office of Indian Services (Retired)

My condolences Onnee and Terry Jr. I am truly sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Terry in DC. We worked together to solve many problems and without fail laughed a lot. When his name came up around tribal officials accolades followed about his hard work on behalf of Indian tribes. There was no doubt his role in BIA was a game changer. When you meet someone so good hearted, wise and who cares deeply about family and others you don’t forget them. Whatever he did, he did with all his heart and his stories of major league baseball, finance and BIA were wonderful. When I found out he rode bulls in a rodeo I figured he could do anything. Terry is one of a kind and I count myself blessed to call him my friend.

my condolences to the family, worked with Terry in DC when I was there working in BIE, Terry was always doing what was best for Indian Country in terms of Indian Self-Determination. RIP Terry.