Terry Lynn Foley

Terry Lynn Foley

(Aug. 18, 1949 - Nov. 13, 2025)

Terry Lynn Foley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of those who knew him best. Terry was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and raised in Lusk, Wyoming — places that shaped his humility, grit and the quiet determination that followed him throughout his life. He was also fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, carrying with him the legacy of his grandfather, who immigrated from Ireland to Anselmo, Nebraska, in the late 1800s. That heritage informed his sense of humor, his warmth, and the deep loyalty he showed to family and community.

After graduating from high school, Terry pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He excelled academically and athletically, playing football and wrestling for the Academy. After several years there, he learned that his color blindness would prevent him from becoming an Air Force pilot. With characteristic resilience, he transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he continued his academic pursuits, competed as a collegiate wrestler, and completed his degree in career and technical education. While in college, he also earned his private pilot’s license — an accomplishment that brought him great pride and fulfilled a dream he carried from childhood. He finished his military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Upon graduation, Terry was offered teaching positions in both Jeffrey City and Powell, Wyoming. In a choice that would shape the rest of his life, he selected Powell — a place where he built his career, raised his family and found a community he cherished. Terry taught at Powell High School for 33 years, serving as a CTE (industrial arts) and computer science teacher, and as a football, wrestling and strength coach. He was also the student council and class sponsor for many years, guiding generations of students through leadership, service, and the traditions that shaped the school’s culture. Thousands of students and athletes benefited from his calm guidance, steady expectations, and remarkable ability to break down complex ideas into something simple, meaningful and memorable.

Beyond the school walls, Terry gave back to his community in many ways, including serving as a locksmith in Powell for nearly two decades. With skill, patience and an ever-present willingness to help, he became the person families, neighbors and local businesses knew they could rely on.

After retiring from education, Terry embarked on a new chapter as IT Director at the Children’s Resource Center for seven years, continuing his lifelong mission of helping others.

In full retirement, Terry discovered new passions that brought him tremendous joy. He became an avid amateur meteorologist, spending hours studying weather patterns, tracking climate data, and ultimately establishing the Powell Weather Station, which provides daily weather reports and historical records for the town — an endeavor he was immensely proud of. Alongside this, he devoted countless hours to researching family lineage. His interest in genealogy deepened his connection to his ancestors, especially his Irish roots, and he loved sharing discoveries with family members who cherished the history he preserved.

Terry was married to his first wife for 26 years and together they raised two sons, Tim and Steve Foley. Later in life, he was blessed to meet Trisch, who became his devoted wife for 28 years. Their marriage brought him deep companionship, joy, and the opportunity to build a second chapter filled with love, adventure and family.

He especially treasured movie nights with Trisch and his family, and the two of them took every chance to travel and see places he had only dreamed of as a boy from Lusk. Trisch encouraged him to break out of his meat-and-potatoes upbringing, introducing him to new foods, new experiences, and a lighter, more playful side of life through camping trips, evenings at concerts, Las Vegas shows, and adventures that filled their years together with joy.

Terry loved nothing more than being surrounded by family. He delighted in get-togethers, stories shared around a table, and time spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored. He enjoyed visiting with friends, reminiscing, laughing and building deep, lasting connections. It was rare that Terry knew a stranger — his quick smile and easy conversation meant that even simple errands often took extra time because he stopped to visit with nearly everyone he encountered.

He also had a mischievous streak and a timeless love for pulling practical jokes on friends and family. His humor, gentle teasing and perfectly timed pranks brought joy and laughter to countless gatherings and created memories that will be told for generations.

Terry also had a deep love for his dogs, who were constant companions through the seasons of his life. Whether on walks, relaxing at home, or joining he and Trisch on road trips and camping adventures, his dogs brought him comfort, joy, and the kind of unconditional loyalty he cherished.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Laura Foley of Powell, Wyoming; his sisters, Dixie Moss of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Connie Fernau of Lovell, Wyoming; and his step-daughter, Chrissy Rustad of Buffalo, Wyoming.

He is survived by his wife, Trisch; his sons Tim (Angie) Foley of Cody, Wyoming, and Steve (Mandi) Foley of Powell, Wyoming; and his stepson Gary Wright II (Alexandra) of Middletown, Maryland. He leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Austin Simpson, Dakota Simpson, Madison Wright, Emma Foley, Gary Wright III, McKale Foley, Owen Foley and Karcher Foley. He also has three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held in the summer of 2026, when family and friends will gather to honor a man who lived with purpose, loved deeply, and gave generously to all who crossed his path.

Terry’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he shaped — as a teacher, a coach, a mentor, and most importantly, as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his resilience, his deep pride in his heritage, his capacity for connection, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Moyer Animal Shelter in Powell.