Terry Alan Garland – our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor and friend – passed away on December 3rd, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 66.
Born on November 5th, 1958, to his loving parents, Carol and Richard Garland, he was the eldest of four siblings in a very close-knit family. A lifelong resident of Johnston, raised to love God, his family and his country, he was deeply rooted in his community and touched many lives.
In his youth, Terry excelled at sports - he set records on the Johnston High School football field, and was the catcher of the baseball team where he helped Johnston win its first state championship, in his senior year. Terry was recruited to play football for Drake on scholarship and was a proud Drake University alumnus. He enjoyed college football as a player and later as an avid fan of college teams, especially his Arkansas Razorbacks.
On the Drake campus, he met the love of his life, Cheryl, his “California Girl.” Together for 47 years, their partnership was a testament to enduring commitment. Terry was a proud, adoring and devoted Dad to his two children – Jacob and Alexandra – passing along to them his zest for life and creativity. He coached Jacob in baseball for Johnston Little League and supported them in all of their activities. As an avid musician, he wrote music with Jacob, produced and sang in a Beach Boys cover band “The Beached Boys,” with Jacob, his cousin Bob Cox. and dear friend John Cisna as well as other projects. He shared his love of music with everyone he knew.
In 1985, Terry found his entrepreneurial calling as a small business owner, founding Hawkeye Supply Inc. with Cheryl in California. After moving the family back to Iowa in 1988, he ultimately forged a career as a wealth manager when he founded his own financial firm in 1992. As the owner of Golden Capital Management, he worked for over three decades helping others plan for their financial futures. He also sat on the Board of Directors for Integrative Counseling Solutions for 15 years and so contributed to the Financial and Mental wellbeing of Central Iowa for many years. In addition to his own professional accolades, the success of his friends, family and clients are a testament to Terry’s achievements.
A true survivor, Terry beat leukemia, and underwent a life-saving transplant with stem cells generously donated by his brother Rick in 2016. This experience only strengthened his resolve and gratitude. He was determined to live a vibrant life after cancer. For the next nine years he embodied his personal motto: "Life is short, have fun.” Together with Cheryl and the family, he enjoyed travel to national parks, Hawaii, California, Mexico, and Europe, especially visiting his relatives in Sweden.
Terry is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carol and Richard Garland of Johnston. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cheryl, his children Jacob and Alexandra, siblings Andrea Garland (Lynn), Rick Garland (Shelly), and Kristin Soelberg (Jeff), sister-in-law Patti Seeman (Paul), and mothers-in-law Gloria Hoffman and Pam Brossman. As well as his adoring nieces, nephews, and a collection of wonderful extended family, friends, and admirers.
More than anything we will remember the legacy he left behind – one of love, laughter, music, and the determination to live with tenacity.
A video live stream of Terry’s Celebration of life can be viewed by all who wish to join. The event begins Saturday, December 21st at 3pm CST.
Go to https://player.vimeo.com/video/1040147213 on your web browser to celebrate his life with us.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Above and Beyond Cancer, and the Children’s Cancer Connection.