Michael Patrick Terk

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs19:17 (ESV)

Completing a life of extraordinary generosity, Michael Patrick Terk, age 75, passed away on March 8, 2025. He was born in Houston, Texas to Phil and Pat Terk on June 4, 1949. His legacy is a life of uncommon devotion to using the gifts God gave him to provide for his family and extend unselfish beneficence toward others in myriad ways.

Until high school, he lived in Odessa, Texas. His parents recognized his remarkable intellect, work ethic, toughness, wit, and charm and sacrificed to send him to prep school. Before that journey, he had developed an interest in bowling, basketball, and ballroom dancing. After graduating from St. Stephens preparatory school in Austin, he enrolled in the University of Texas where he acquired his lifelong love for Longhorn sports (and for that matter all sports). Some might say it was his impatience to start a career that caused him to end his academic pursuits. Others might speculate his interest in going to school and working waned rapidly after having been shot while chasing a shoplifter into the parking lot at his department store “security” job. Regardless of the motive, he determined his most direct path to success was in the family business.

Phil Terk saw in his son the financial instincts, business acumen, management skills, and most importantly, the disciplined ambition that would advance Terk Distributing. He also knew that the best way for Michael to climb the ladder of business success was to start on the bottom rung. And that’s what Michael did—loading trucks for a year in Odessa and then pounding the pavement as a “spirits” salesman for five years more in El Paso. From those humble beginnings, he became the company president guiding it to such exponential growth and national notoriety, that the company sold at precisely the right time to allow him to retire at age 50.

During those years of overseeing the company from Amarillo, he met and fell in love with his wife Cindy, whose effervescent personality was the perfect complement to his wit and wisdom. They travelled the world on business trips which laid the foundation for their lasting fondness for cruises with their family and friends.

Travel often included attending the theater. Michael’s parents introduced him to Broadway at an early age cultivating an interest in plays that he and Cindy shared and memorialized in their collection of Broadway musical posters. Michael particularly loved Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Wicked. Desiring to share their passion for the theater with others, they became generous benefactors of the Amarillo Little Theater, sponsoring theatrical productions and donating funds for the ALT Mainstage Terk Lobby.

Micheal’s love for the theater was not the only pursuit his parents encouraged. His mother introduced him to Bridge for which he had a remarkable aptitude. He was hardly out of high school before he became a Life Master and professional bridge player. That genius for card playing transferred well to the gaming tables on cruises and to his frequent trips with family and friends to Las Vegas. A skilled Pai Gow Poker and Blackjack player, he often described those trips as “going to work” to supplement Cindy’s shopping. His flippant remarks could not disguise his love for playing cards, including the Saturday poker game with his friends. And if you ever played in that game, you’d understand the talent his parents recognized as being card-sharp did not fade with age.

Michael’s business and financial acumen served him well in “retirement.” He was highly regarded in local financial circles which led to his service on the board of the First National Bank. He spent his life meticulously planning to assure his wife, children, and grandchildren were secure. His love for his family inspired his desire to care for their future.

Along the way, he lived the message that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Not limiting his contributions to a host of public charities, Michael was renowned for excessively tipping all who provided a service for his family. This quality of extending kindness to even the least of those whom he encountered was woven into the very fabric of his character.

Those who visited the Terk home witnessed that attribute firsthand in their gracious hospitality. They opened their home to innumerable friends for special celebrations. Most evening events attended by Michael and Cindy ended at the Terk home with Michael and Cindy as the convivial hosts. With a juke box full of Michael’s favorites from the 50s, 60s, and 70s filling the house, friends, guests, and even strangers found a welcoming atmosphere of generosity.

Michael often said he’d rather be lucky than smart, but those self-deprecating comments could not disguise his talent. His plans were simple. Marry someone with Cindy’s qualities. Sacrifice whatever it takes to stay out of debt. Commit to providing for your family beyond your own life. Never be intimidated by anyone or afraid to take a reasonable risk. Maintain a keen sense of humor. Cherish your friends. Be generous to others, practicing outrageous hospitality to all, recognizing that the more you give, the more you get. Give credit to who credit is due, as Michael did every morning, to the “Big Guy Upstairs,” who he knew was the ultimate source of blessing in his life.

Among his Broadway favorites, Michael lived in the words of Erik, The Phantom of the Opera, “I have tasted all the happiness the world can offer” and he embraced Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables observation, “It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.” And so, he did--experiencing life with his family to its fullest. Contemporaneously, Michael affirmed the words of Hugo’s protagonist, Jean Valjean, “To love another person is to see the face of God.” And so, he did and now he has. May he rest in peace.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary, and his half-brothers Roger and David. He is survived by his wife Cindy, daughters Bonnie Kaye Kellogg and husband Donnie of Amarillo; Kelle Dawn Bankhead and husband Scott of Dallas; Kelly Piovarcy and husband John of Nashville; grandchildren Jordan Kaye Thornton and husband Cade; Madison Dawn Kellogg; Harper Piovarcy; Sebastian Bryant Bankhead and Sullivan Brooks Bankhead; and great grandchildren Bentley and a soon to arrive Berkley; and brother Jay Terk of Austin. Michael loved his pets. His dogs Lucky and Lily preceded him in death and his dogs Baby and Missy will miss him dearly.

Arrangements are pending. Memorial contributions in Michael’s name are recommended to Olivia’s Angels, Gracie’s Project, and The Amarillo Little Theater.