Terrall Cain York

Terrall C. “Terry” York, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at his home in Thousand Oaks, California, surrounded by family. Terry was born in the small mining town of Raleigh in Southern Illinois on August 17, 1935, to the late Hazel Aliece (Cain) York and Weston Carter York. In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his siblings: Ralph Edward “Eddie” York, Beth Ann York, and Charles Weston York.

Terry’s early life gave him insight into the value of hard work, faith, integrity, sharing and the importance of giving oneself for the needs of others. His father was a coal miner and his family lived a small town country life. Right after graduating high school, Terry was publicity manager for a close friend in town, who was a singer and signed to Liberty records. During this time,Terry was called to serve his country. After being drafted and serving in the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division for two years, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for “demonstrating exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity through faithful and exact performance of duty”, Terry returned home and became fascinated by the automobile industry, determined to make a place for himself. Accepting no pay, he signed on as a file clerk at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet in Joliet, Illinois. Within five years he became the general manager and part owner. It was here where Terry met Carole (Wegrzyn) York, when he assisted her in purchasing a car.

Terry married Carole in 1964 and with their young children they moved from Illinois to Southern California in 1972 when Terry established his first automobile dealership in Encino on Ventura Boulevard, Terry York Chevrolet. With his unique friendly approach to selling cars, he quickly became known as the “The Giant of the Valley.” After many years of hard work, The Terry York Automotive group grew to include more than 12 franchises including Rolls Royce, BMW, Range Rover, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Chrysler Dodge, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, throughout Southern California. He continued to become known as a dealer who cared not only about his customers but his employees too. In 1999, at the age of 64, Terry sold this Auto Group to Auto Nation.

Shortly after he sold his dealerships, Terry started investing in the building of real estate, ending up with vast holdings of prime commercial and industrial properties in California, Nevada and Florida. Until he passed away, he was active in the management of York Real Estate Management, Terry York Properties and York Investments. In 2004, Terry went back to his early country roots and purchased a cattle ranch in Alturas, California. York Ranch became a top registered angus cattle breeding ranch, holding yearly cattle auctions. As with all of Terry’s ventures, this one quickly grew. He expanded York Ranch in acreage, hay production and cattle supply. The ranch was a special place for the family to gather, often assisting with ranch operations.

His highest achievements, though, are not what he gained for himself, but what he gave to others. Terry dedicated a substantial amount of his time and financial support to philanthropic, charitable, humanitarian and government causes and organizations. Terry and Carole have been supporters of the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley and active participants in many charities, such as, the City of Hope, the American Cancer Society, the Chamber of Commerce, the March of Dimes, Penny Lane and Olive View Medical Center. He received numerous awards for his work and contributions to the community including the distinctive City of Hope “Spirit of Life Award.” Mayor Bradley proclaimed October 12, 1985, “Terry York Day” to pay tribute to Terry’s many contributions to civic and philanthropic causes and his positive impact on the lives of residents and communities throughout Southern California.

Perhaps the greatest success of his life is his large, beautiful family. He adored his wife of 59 years, Carole Catherine (Wegrzyn) York, their children, Todd (Tina) York, Natalie (John) Quiroz, Timothy (Nisha) York, Tiffany (Brian) Napierala, and their 15 grandchildren: Zechariah, Elijah and Jude York; Logan, Weston, Greyson, Hudson, Jonnie-Jane, and Jossen Quiroz; Annabelle, Mia and Karina York; and Grant, Cade and Delaney Napierala. Terry also was loved by and loved his twelve nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. To his family, Terry is best remembered for his hospitality, wearing an apron, cooking up milk gravy and biscuits or telling stories on the couch with his family and friends nearby, and grandkids by his side, on his lap or in his arms.

Terry York symbolizes, in many respects, the American success story. More importantly his life reflects a succession of commitments to his family, his profession, and his fellow man. He lived out his faith by loving and helping others. Terry’s big heart and compassionate soul met each person, family, friend or stranger with kindness and sincerity. He will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held on June 2nd, 2023 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California, in honor of his life.