Richard A. “Rick” Terpstra – 69 – of 44 East Washington St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 28, 2014) from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born in Hornell on March 29, 1945, he was the son of John & Nora (Conklin) Terpstra.

A resident of Hornell for most of his life, he was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1966-1971 as a member of the Military Police, and stationed in Germany.

He had been employed for many years as a mechanic at Conrail and later served as a truck driver and removal technician for Haz-Mat Removal (a hazardous waste removal company).  In later years, he was employed as a truck driver for USA Trucking.

Rick was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed taking long rides on his Harley Motorcycle.   He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting — both bow hunting & rifle hunting.  He was a very active member of the AMVETS where he served in many capacities and also was a member of the Patriot Guard.

Rick will be remembered as a kind & gentle man who had a deep and profound love of his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was a loving husband, a caring father & grandfather and a true & faithful friend.  He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was married on May 26, 1972 to Diane (Coogan) Terpstra who passed away on January 28, 2013.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Becky Oviedo of Wintersville, GA and Erin (Scott) Button of Hornell; 2 sons, Michael (Anissa) Terpstra of Columbia, SC and Joseph Terpstra of Roswell, GA; his aunt Ann Conklin of Hornell; 11 grandchildren, Kelsie Oviedo, Connor Oviedo, Ethan Button, Isabelle Button, Gabriel Button, Samuel Terpstra, Benjamin Terpstra, Noah Terpstra, Avery Terpstra, Charles Terpstra and Jonathan Terpstra; sever nieces & nephews.

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, beginning at 3:00 PM, Rick’s family, along with his “Motorcycle Brothers”, members of the AMVETS and members of the Patriot Guard will meet at the AMVETS on the Broadway Mall and then proceed to take Rick’s ashes on a final motorcycle ride throughout the area.

The ride will conclude at 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery where a Memorial Service will be held.  Following the services at the cemetery, family & friends will gather at for a “Celebration of Rick’s Life” at the AMVETS on the Broadway Mall in Hornell.

Ricks family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the AMVETS, Post 245, 28 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843.  To print a memorial form, click here.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

In recognition of Rick’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.