Terrance (Terry) George Hodel

Terrance Hodel, known as Terry to his friends and family, died peacefully on February 27, 2024, in Long Beach, CA. He spent his final days surrounded by loved ones who respected and admired him for his integrity, kindness, and charming sense of humor.

Terry was born in Los Angeles, but moved to West Covina when he was in his early teens. He was the oldest child in his family and was always a protective big brother to his younger sister and two younger brothers. As a child, Terry was always a learner; he read the encyclopedia for fun, completing the whole set --  A through Z! He attended Pomona Catholic High School before matriculating to Pomona College in Claremont, CA. Terry’s time at Pomona was instrumental in his life. Shy and unassuming, he came out of his shell playing football, rugby, and being a member of the Kappa Delta fraternity. After graduation, Terry attended Stanford Business School where he earned his M.B.A. However, before he could put that to use, Vietnam broke out and he enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Army. He served on the Adjutant General Corps and was stationed both in Germany and Vietnam.

After returning from Vietnam, Terry landed a position at Sutro Investments working in the mailroom. He started at the bottom and worked his way up, eventually becoming Executive Vice President. He was then hired to run Wells Fargo Mortgage, at the time located in San Francisco, which brought he and his family to northern California. Wells Fargo Mortgage eventually became North American Mortgage Company and Terry served as the President and Chief Operating Officer. He was, by all accounts, a great man to work for. The tributes given by his employees when he retired spoke of a man who took care of his people; he had high expectations yet offered guidance and support to those in need.

Terry believed that the success he enjoyed in life was a blessing to be shared. He gave generously to many causes, including the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County, Pomona College, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach. He valued the importance of education and served on the Boards of Marin Academy and Pomona College.

Aside from his professional career, Terry had several passions throughout his life. He loved gardening, fishing, golf, traveling, reading, opera, live theater, and spending time with friends and family. And he made a mean Manhattan. He was adored by Tamara, his wife and partner of 15 years, his grandchildren, who called him Popsi, and by his three daughters, who will forever acquaint the smells of newsprint and coffee with weekend mornings watching cartoons on Dad’s lap.

In his retirement years, Terry loved traveling with his wife, Tamara. Together they visited extraordinary places, such as Egypt, Africa, Japan, Turkey, Sicily, Hawaii, and many other beautiful destinations. Tamara and Terry divided their time between Long Beach, San Rafael, and West Yellowstone, Montana. Terry’s life was truly a life well lived.

Terry is survived by his wife, Tamara Achauer; his three daughters Casey Hodel, Alexis Hodel, and Elizabeth Hodel; his stepdaughters Allison Achauer and Hilary Achauer; his loving grandchildren Owen, Henry, Ethan, Charlotte, Rosemary, and Gabriel; his siblings, Patricia Buckley and Russ Hodel; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Bob Hodel, and his parents, Rita (Weling) and Ellsworth Hodel.  The family requests that those interested in making a donation in Terry’s name do so by contributing to the College Access Scholarship Program at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach (https://www.bgclublb.org)  Terry will be remembered with a celebration of life on a date to be announced.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401