
Terry D. Reim arrived in University Place courtesy of the U.S. Army in 1966. He chose to make the “community” his home. His children were raised here. His businesses were headquartered here and his abundant creative energy was invested in helping University Place thrive.
He dedicated time and energy to multiple service organizations, one time being President to two at the same time. He also was an active participant in any number of community advisory committees. With the passage if I-695, it became apparent that the city needed to attract more businesses for revenue and for lifestyle. Terry’s motto became “shop Local” and he did everything he could to encourage business growth and success.
One of his spirited adventures was the establishment of the University Place Farmer’s Market. He and his best pal, Dixie Harris, decided that UP needed to experience farmers close up and personal and what better way than a market. They found a site near the present day town center and a market manager but then they needed customers. So they decided to have a parade. Like all good parades it needed a theme so Dixie and Terry decided to call it the Duck Parade. It would be held the first Saturday in June and signal the end of the legendary NW rainy season. True to its name, in the ten years it has been held it has only barely sprinkled once!
Like any good idea the duck stuck and has expanded into Duck Daze , duck hats, duck quacks and more fun than even Terry could imagine. Terry died in 2003 but the duck is part of his legacy. To honor his many contributions to University Place a celebration duck is being commissioned. It is envisioned by those of us who loved Terry as a gathering place, a focal point, a piece of art larger than life.
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