Terry Allen Starkey (1950 - 2026)

Terry lived an adventurous life mostly on his own terms. He was a seismographer for several years after high school. He was paid to see country he read about as a youngster. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Everglades, Louisiana swamps, Death Valley, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, North and South Dakota.

He met Debbie in Bismarck, ND in 1979. He quit surveying to stay with the one love he always dreamed of finding.

They moved to Williston, ND in 1980. Debbie started a painting business and Terry roughnecked for about 15 years. He joined Debbie painting after getting hurt on the rigs.

Terry and Debbie married in July 1981. Her teenage kids moved in with them in 1985.

Terry and Deb were party people and were active in Williston Basin Riders raising money for Toys for Tots through the years. They helped build Ted E. Bear, a fiberglass parade float seen for many years at Band Day.

Terry lost his beloved wife Debbie in July 2013 after 32 years. He continued to paint apartments until diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

He was a proud man. He decided to live life on his own terms. He had always followed his own muse. His life was blessed and he passed a rich man. Not rich with money, but with much love of family and friends.

Stepping into the next existence will be another adventure he’s looking forward to.

Love and Peace…

He is survived by his stepson, Ken Mattson (Nicole) along with their children, Ken and Emily; his stepdaughter, Leanne Schindler (Bob), as well as Leanne’s son, Barrett; and his three brothers, Douglas, Monte, and Donald.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debra, and his granddaughter, Amanda.