Terry Lee Sillanpaa

November 15, 1953 — April 21, 2026

Terry Sillanpaa

Service Details

Terry Lee Sillanpaa, 72, passed away April 21, 2026, peacefully at his home. He was born November 15, 1953, in Flint, Michigan.

If you knew Terry, you loved him. Living most of his life wearing his weathered cowboy hat and sporting either a Fu Manchu or a wildly long beard, it was easy to spot Terry a mile away. He was notorious for giving people nicknames and making people laugh. And he was quick to strike up conversation with strangers so he could make a new friend. Terry was present and invested in every conversation he had with his friends and family.

Terry lived a long and eventful life. Most of his time was spent sanding and repairing cars, riding his favorite Honda motorcycle, browsing for trinkets at Collectamania, or having a drink with friends at Big Dog Billiards or his former favorite place, the Royal Flush.

Terry was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Whether he knew it or not, he was always giving out priceless life advice like “You don’t have anything if you don’t have your word” and “Be the same version of yourself no matter which room you walk into.”

Terry made his living as an auto body repair technician, a craft he shared with his dad and brothers. He used those skills to build a life for himself and the ones he loved.

Terry was a believer in Christ, and that gives his family comfort knowing it was his time to travel to heaven. Or, as Terry often said, it was time to “mosey on home.”

Terry is survived by his sister Lori, daughter Brandi York (JD), son Matt Sillanpaa (Julie), and grandkids Sammi, Alli, Gabby, Brendon, Izzy, and Will.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew (Wes) and Carol Sillanpaa, brothers Dale, Ron, and Mike, and niece Jessie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Big Dog Billiards on Saturday May 23rd from 3-6PM.