William Terry Hirschlieb was known as many things – The Most Interesting Man in the World, The Dude, The Man, A Legend. Virginia and Bill Hirschlieb welcomed him to the world in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 15, 1944. Terry grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan with three sisters – Patricia, Marikay, and Dana. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics. He discovered his passion for teaching when he taught math at Clinton High School in Clinton, Michigan and then went on to become a software engineer in the aerospace industry working for Ford Aerospace, Loral, and retiring from Lockheed Martin in 1999. After retirement, he went on to teach math at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Metro State University of Denver.

Terry’s laugh was infectious and chances are if you heard it, you would be laughing too. People who made Terry laugh felt like they won a prize because he had that effect on you with his twinkling eyes and handsome smile. He was adored by all who knew him… charming, witty, funny, smart, and incredibly patient and kind. He was the kind of man who made friends everywhere he went. He was the kind of man who grew up with three sisters and a mother who adored him and became a father to three daughters and a wife who felt exactly the same.

As a teacher, his students loved him for his wit, patience, and brilliance. He was one of the favorite teachers. But he taught at home too, helping his wife learn everything about football and effectively creating a lifetime, diehard Denver Bronco fan. Terry also taught his daughters math, sports, camping, skiing, how to drive, how to ride a bike, how to fall in love with nature and be outdoors. 

Fatherhood was one of his most important roles as he doted on his three girls and supported and encouraged them throughout their lives. He was there for it all – parent/teacher conferences, speech therapy, homework, volleyball, theater performances, basketball games, how to drive a stick shift on a 4wd road or Chelton Hill, weddings, grandbabies… whatever they needed. They grew up knowing they could do and be anything because their parents told them they could. Terry also became a father figure to countless others whether they were nieces and nephews, his daughters’ friends and husbands, or even some of his own friends. He had a patient, gentle approach that made people feel seen, heard, and valid. And oh how he delighted in their successes! 

Terry was an active, fun-loving man who approached life with enthusiasm and passion. He began running with the cross-country team in high school and developed a lifelong love of jogging, not stopping until he was well into his 60s and got a bum knee. He ran races and half-marathons. He hiked fourteeners and summited at least 25. He skied fast and in jeans. He biked at least three Century Rides. He dove into cold mountain rivers (he said it made you live longer) and took risks on 4wd roads with various vehicles – whether they could handle it or not. He loved camping, concerts, dancing, sporting events, soaking in hot springs, pulling a trailer throughout the United States and Mexico. You could rely on him to have a cooler of beer anywhere he went and an impromptu tailgate party could erupt in almost any given situation.

Terry’s adventurous spirit shined brightly throughout his life and on St. Patrick’s Day in 1974, he met his great love and lifetime adventure partner in Dianne Perotti at Ypsilanti’s Alibi Bar. They embarked on myriad adventures for the next 50 years, experiencing highs and lows as best friends and lovers who never left each other’s side until his dying breath on June 17, 2024.  

In his travels from mountain tops to sandy Mexico beaches and everywhere in between, tales abound describing his adventures and hilarity often wove its way through those stories. Like the time he was stuck paddling in circles in a raft with one oar at a swim beach near Pueblo. Or the time he accidentally skied through an active race course at Crested Butte Ski Resort. Or when he and his two partners in crime, Duane and Doyle, snuck into the Ski World Cup in Vail and partied with the athletes.

The world will miss this legendary man but we all take comfort in knowing how lucky we were to know him, love him, and play some part in his stories that will be retold for decades to come. The vigor and energy this man brought to life and everyone around him will not soon be forgotten, if ever. He was a legend in every sense of the word and those who knew and loved him will try to carry on that vivaciousness throughout the rest of our lives. 

Terry is survived by his wife, Dianne; daughters Angie Haverly (Steve), Rachel Gonzales (J.P.), and Dylan Demery; his grandchildren Anna Haverly, Christian Haverly, Bethany Haverly, Delilah Gonzales, and Jack Gonzales; sisters Patricia Duede and Marikay Brodie and their children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia & Bill Hirschlieb, sister Dana Luckhardt, son-in-law Tony Demery, grandson Myles Gonzales, brother-in-law John Duede, nephew Todd Luckhardt, and niece Amy Van Drese. He also had countless friends who meant so much to him and made his life full.

A celebration of life will occur in September 2024, exact date and time TBD.