| Terry Allen Yates, 1954-2006, In
the SIMA beginning, Terry Yates of Wood River, Illinois had a vision.
He placed an ad in the Alton Evening Telegraph of June, 1977. It read, "If
you own a 65-73 Mustang and would be interested in joining a club, call
254-XXXX." It was later said "If you build it, they will come"! Well Terry
advertised it and they came! Over 350 happy SIMA memberships later and
into our 30th year, the Southern Illinois Mustang Association and Terry
Yates have carried the Midwest MUSTANG banner.
Terry worked mostly during the last 30 years as a Parts Service Manager at
Wood River and Alton Ford Dealerships. He was the "expert" on Ford
and Mustang parts and restoration. He owned his own Body Shop
in the late 80's. He took a medical retirement from Roberts Ford in
Alton, IL in early 2006. Terry served the SIMA as President, Vice
President, Newsletter Editor and Technical Advisor. He restored many
Mustangs for himself as well as others. He always had time to talk
and give advice on the correct parts or procedures. He did it with a
smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was a people person who enjoyed
life to the fullest. He touched many lives through his work and
through his club. Through his contacts at the "Parts Counter" he
invited many of the present and past SIMA members to visit our club
meetings, to be a part and share in the fun of our SIMA Mustang World.
Terry displaying his 2004
"SIMA Member of the Year" award. |
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