Parke Drummond Terry

1944-2025

Upon his retirement Parke characterized in his own words his place in the world: “retired journalist, legislative consultant, lobbyist, river explorer, gentleman farmer, casual golfer, bodacious traveler, connoisseur”. He assured that his opinions would be “freely offered and facts assiduously checked”.

Parke’s interest in public policy, international affairs, and journalism were clear from his college days at the University of Redlands, where he majored in political science but also excelled as a college newspaper editor and as a student intern at the Wall Street Journal. A University of Redlands student newspaper award was presented to him by Governor Edmund G. Brown.

In 1969 Parke came to Sacramento to work as a legislative staffer and became Principal Consultant to the State Assembly Governmental Organization Committee that dealt with issues ranging from regulatory reform to horse racing and alcoholic beverage law. He next became a legislative lobbyist until his retirement in 2014. As a lobbyist he represented a variety of clients and served a term as president of the Institute of Governmental Advocates.

Parke had a great love of outdoor adventures including a pioneering 1973 self-guided white water rafting trip on the Colorado River with wife Lynn and a few friends. Worldwide travel, jazz and classic rock music, and history were lifelong interests.

Parke is survived by his wife Lynn Terry, daughters Lesley Terry and Kimberly House, and two grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held in June.