Terrance M. Dykman

Terrance Michael Dykman, age 87, passed away at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI, on February 24, 2026. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI, on March 20, 1938, the son of the late Gerald and Frances (Averill) Dykman. A Central High School graduate, Terry remained in the city of Grand Rapids throughout his adult years, starting a family, working in manufacturing and manufacturing management, and enjoying outdoor hobbies including fishing, hunting and biking. Terry loved a good cigar, and – in those days – a mildly fragrant stogie could frequently be seen dangling from his smirking mouth.

Following retirement, Terry left the cigars and the city of his boyhood home behind. Setting his sights on the wooded beauty of Lake City, Terry built a modest home on a densely forested piece of property in northern Michigan. Nestled in the woods, Terry spent his last three decades there, enjoying a life of outdoor pursuits. Whether it was the camaraderie of practicing marksmanship with other local shooters, the challenge of embarking on an annual hunting trip, or the solace of taking a hike through his expansive backyard, Terry found many experiences to love in his chosen, and final, hometown. Although he was most comfortable in his forest of solitude, Terry enjoyed returning to southwest Michigan each year to celebrate the holiday season with his extended family.

Known for his unvarnished perspectives, Terry was described by friends and family as someone who was not afraid to share an honest opinion. Also famous for his dry sense of humor, those who knew Terry understood that a sarcastic chuckle with him was really a moment of shared joy.

Terry is survived by two children, Jeffrey Dykman and Audra Dykman; brother, K. Rand “Randy” Dykman; nieces, Courtney (Dykman) Stewart and Tiffany (Dykman) Smorch; nephew-in-law, Jason Stewart; and great nieces Zoe and Ivy Stewart.

Terry was preceded in passing by his parents, and his sister-in-law Virginia “Gina” (Schaub) Dykman.