Terry James Bordwell was born on October 19, 1945, in Tillamook, Oregon to Stanley and Betty (Powers) Bordwell. He would graduate from high school and would join the United States Navy on September 4, 1963, where he honorably served in fire control. After being discharged, he would get a degree in drafting. Terry would participate in organizations such as Band of Brothers in Redmond, Oregon, Lyon Club and Mustangs to the Rescue (MTTR). When not working or volunteering, he had many hobbies that kept him active over the years. He loved to fish and fly his airplane. He would also ride horse trails at Crooked River Ranch and attend rodeo’s, car shows, motorcycle, car and truck races. Terry had a passion for training his dogs and won several obedience titles over the years. On top of all that he also was a great pool player who would joke that the more Bud Light he drank the better he got. Which also showed Terry’s great sense of humor. He was fortunate to also find love and married Virginia Rae Smith in Cathlamet, Washington on July 6, 1984. Terry is survived by his wife Virginia; daughter, Desiree Mendenhall-Berg; and grandchild, Eliana Grace Razo-Mendenhall. A service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on March 16th, 2022 at 1:30pm.
MISSION REPORT:
SA Fire Control, United States Navy
Longview, WA.
Terry enlisted in the US Navy on 4 SEP 1963. Terry was assigned as a Fire Controlman on the USS William V. Pratt (DIG-13). While Terry was very new in the Navy, he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was retired 25 JAN 1965. Terry was very proud of his US Navy service but was unfortunately unable to move past his TBI to live a normal life, but not for the lack of trying. Terry gave his last full measure on the day of his TBI on the USS William Pratt. His faithful wife Virginia was his caregiver all those years and devoted her life to Terry.
Terry’s daughter Desiree has request we provide a motor escort for Virginia to Willamette National Cemetery where we will Honor at his final resting place. We have additional been asked to augment the DoD Honor Guard with a rifle Volley of Three.
The US Army Honor Guard (DOD) will present Full Military Honors augmented by our Rifle Team.
“When my husband Terry and I would go out for breakfast and the waitress would ask how would he like his eggs, he would answer one over medium and the other one scrambled. When the waitress brought his plate and he had such a funny look on his face she asked was wrong and he said you scrambled the wrong egg. That was Terry always joking always smiling always Terry. I will miss him very much.”
– Virginia Bordwell
“Will always be remembered, always loved, and never ever be forgotten! All gave some, but you pops, gave all! Thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice.”
-Desiree Mendenhall
