Terry Lee Clark, 66, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Salina, Kansas. Born September 10, 1958, in Salina, Kansas, to Leonard and Dorothy Clark, Terry graduated from Salina Central High School in 1976, went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Washburn University in 1980, and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas Law School in 1983. He had a small law office in Salina before embarking on a new chapter in Northern California.
Terry met the love of his life, Linda Cozyris, and moved to Arcata, California, where she lived. They were married in 2000 in St. Alban’s church, just down the road from the home they would share for 22 years. Together, they built a warm and loving home nestled in the redwoods of Sunny Brae, surrounded by animals, books, and their love of shared passions. Terry was a devoted animal lover and tireless advocate for animal welfare. Over the years, he and Linda welcomed a menagerie of beloved cats and dogs, including Chow Chows, Shih Tzus, and a host of rescue kitties, into their lives. Terry worked closely with rescue organizations, often helping coordinate safe passage for animals from shelters to loving forever homes.
A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Terry was a fixture at local Friends of the Library sales in Eureka and Arcata, where he loved discovering new reads and rare finds, often coming home with bags full of books. He was also a devoted music enthusiast with an impressive vinyl collection. His love of storytelling extended to comic books (another impressive collection) and science fiction, especially Star Trek, which captured his sense of wonder and hope for a better future.
Terry worked for many years as a law clerk for James Zito in Eureka, California before dedicating himself full-time to caring for Linda as her health declined. He also worked with compassion and patience as a classroom aide for special needs students in local schools, including McKinleyville High, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of the children he supported.
Soft-spoken but fiercely principled, Terry was known for his unwavering kindness, dependable nature, and sharp wit. He was generous with his time and always ready to lend a hand, whether in person or through his active online presence, where he was a well-known voice in many advocacy and interest-based communities. His Substack writings and thoughtful contributions reflected his deep intellect and unshakable sense of justice.
After Linda passed in December 2022, Terry returned to Salina in 2024 and continued giving back to his community as a substitute teacher in local schools. Though the final years of his life were marked by profound loss, his spirit of love, service, and resilience remained undimmed.
He is survived by his sister, Kimberly Clark, of Salina; several cousins; and by his wife’s children, Kali, Trevor, and Kristian Cozyris, who will forever remember his steadfast support, humor, and generous heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Linda.
Terry will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina.
In honor of Terry’s legacy of compassion and advocacy, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with final expenses, or to local animal rescue organizations in his name.
This article appears in ‘Come Back Young Again’.