Terry Robert Ornelas

Terry Robert Ornelas was a devout, passionate, loving, and positive man who always put everyone’s needs before his own. He was born on May 9th, 1944 in Los Angeles, Ca to Joseph Andes Ornelas and Yola Betty Giacomini. He has a brother Joey Ornelas and Sister Nancy Rucker. Since a young boy, Terry was thinking of ways to make this world a better place and was the hardest-worker you would have ever encountered. He was president of the Elegants Car club and proudly had a 62 Chevy Impala. With his presidency, he sought after ways to give back to his community of Gardena through charity. Terry met the love of his life Sherry Viersen whom he married in 1964. At 18 years of age, Terry was drafted and served in the army for two years. Terry and Sherry were ecstatic when he came home and they had their first born child, Marnie in 1967. Terry and Sherry went on to have three more children—Jadey, Jason, and Misty. The family enjoyed their time together by visiting Yosemite every summer, watching the Rams play, going to the movies and amusement parks, listening to music, and eating lots of Mexican food. The family shared their time together with laughter, smiles, and complete love for one another which is still very strong today. Terry’s positivity and love planted seeds in each of his children. Terry enjoyed God’s beauty and never missed a day of church in his life. He appreciated each moment and always said to “live in the spectacular now!” Terry would send positive memos to his employees at work every day; after he had his Starbucks of course. Terry was a fighter who had survived stage 4 lymphoma cancer and who never gave up on life. Every person who met Terry was infected with his positivity and he attracted people to his energy. Terry was always quick-witted with a sarcastic come-back, even in his last days. Terry was trendy with his fashion sense and music taste. Terry was also quite the movie buff. Terry was the strongest man I know and he will forever be missed in our hearts. Terry passed on Saturday October 22nd, 2016 at 4:30pm. Terry definitely had a fast pass to Heaven and we know he is at peace with God. We love you Daddy (aka Papa Bear)!