Connect > Howard M. Terpenning passes away; served as THPRD GM for 33 years
Howard M. Terpenning passes away; served as THPRD GM for 33 years
February 11, 2014
Howard M. Terpenning, longtime general manager of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District during its formative years, has died following an extended illness. He was 83.
Terpenning was just 29 when he was named THPRD general manager in June 1959, 3-1/2 years after the Park District was formed through a public initiative. He went on to serve in that capacity for 33 years, leading the district through a period of extensive growth. He retired on the final day of 1992.
“Howard’s vision, managerial skills and focus on customers and community helped shape the Park District into what it is today, one of the premier park and recreation agencies in the Northwest,” said Doug Menke, current THPRD general manager. “We will always be grateful for his extraordinary contributions.”
In her 40-year history of the district, published in 1995, Park District co-founder Elsie Stuhr wrote of Terpenning, “He maintained credibility, built cooperation between agencies, listened to people in the area, (and made) certain that programs would meet the needs and desires of all ages.”
Stuhr also described Terpenning as a man with “very fine public relations skills” and one who “wanted people to develop a lifetime interest in recreational activities. He wanted parents and children to enjoy activities together.”
The district’s 92-acre main recreation complex at 158th and Walker Road was named in his honor in early 1993. Terpenning directed the effort to acquire land for the complex in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Today, about 8 million people visit the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex annually to compete in or watch a wide variety of sports and other recreational activities.
During his career, Terpenning was also active in the Oregon Recreation & Park Association and the Special Districts Association of Oregon.
This past Saturday, Feb. 8, SDAO announced it was naming its lifetime achievement award for him. It happened to be the very day that Terpenning died.
According to the Terpenning family, no services are planned.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: February 11, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).