Terry L. Dykstra, Educator, Coach and Friend whose knowledge, humor, understanding and caring spanned a teaching career of more than 50 years, passed away April 19, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic after a lengthy illness. He was 82.

Terry was born on August 25, 1938, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the third son of Louis and Kathryn Dykstra.  After graduating from Chartiers-Houston High School in 1956, he attended Washington and Jefferson College for two years and graduated from California State Teacher's College (now California University of Pennsylvania) in 1963.

He began his education career later that year when he moved his family from Pennsylvania to Burton, Ohio.  He spent 5 years teaching at Burton High School and West Geauga High School. He spent 26 years as an educator and coach with Solon High School, serving as Chair of the Mathematics Department for 10 years. After retiring from Solon High School, he continued teaching at Lakeland Community College for another 20 years.

Terry is survived by his much-loved wife of 60 years, Jackie, née Bradburn and his own three sons, Scott (Andrea Schepis) of Stow, Ohio, Corey of Columbus, Ohio, and Jason (Melissa) of Delaware, Ohio.

"Pap's" heart was full of love and pride for his four grandsons, Adam (Tiffany) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Louis and Reese, of Worthington, Ohio, and James, of Delaware, Ohio.  His one and only beautiful granddaughter, Halley, of Delaware, Ohio, softened his heart and was the bright flower among all those grandsons. In 2019, he was blessed with the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Callahan Derek Dykstra. He enjoyed pictures and videos of Callahan sent from Scottsdale. Pap will live on in all of their memories.

Surviving, also, are sisters-in law, Ruth Dykstra of Pennsylvania, Nancy Stacy and Marillyn Popp of North Carolina, 8 nieces, 3 nephews and many extended family members.

Last, but certainly not least, Terry would want to mention the "family" dog who stole his heart from the first day. Cutch, our handsome white Schnauzer, takes all the love he can get and returns it full measure, and then he goes home with his real family when the visit is over. Terry said, "He's the best kind of dog I ever had."

Mourning his passing and celebrating his life are friends close enough to be brothers and sisters, sons and daughters.  Once in Terry's life, that's where you stayed!

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Louis and James and by his brother-in-law/friend, Andrew Popp.

His was a life well-lived with family, faith, work and friends at the core. His love of sports is known to everyone -- with all things Pittsburgh at the center. Thus, he leaves to his sons and grandchildren all of his Steelers, Pirates and Penguins paraphernalia to share.

Though Terry has departed from us, we are confident that he is at home with the Lord.  Thank you to everyone for prayers, love and cards sent to Terry.  He read them all.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Advent Lutheran Church, 5525 Harper Rd., Solon, Ohio 44139 would be greatly appreciated.  Due to the pandemic, there will be no calling hours and a memorial service will be held at a later time.  Pastor James Lewis, Advent Lutheran Church, Solon, Ohio, officiating.