It has been over 50 years since one Craig man started a career that has lasted a lifetime.

Bill Terrill started with New York Life on Dec. 5, 1966 in Craig, his hometown. He made the 50 year mark with the company in December 2016 and was recognized for the achievement on July 27.

“I’ve been here through thick and thin,” he said.

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His grandparents traveled to the Snake River Valley in a covered wagon, and Terrill has lived most of his life in Northwest Colorado.

After graduating from Mesa College, Terrill wanted to own a business and settled on becoming a New York Life agent.

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“They gave me the opportunity. It turned out to be quite a deal. They know how to handle a dollar,” he said.

New York Life is number 61 on the Fortune 100 list and maintains a surplus of $23 billion.

Bill’s wife, and New York Life Agent of 36 years, Dianne Terrill works along side of Bill. They have clients in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.

Dianne is proud of Bill’s accomplishments.

“In our Denver Office we referred to him as ‘Wild Bill From Over the Hill.’ He has been a lifetime member of the New York Life Councils and is a life member of the million-dollar roundtable. And those are huge accomplishments,” she said.

He has also been a member of Kiwanis Club, Parrot Heads and has supported many other community service clubs.

Over the course of his 50-year career, Bill has witnessed many changes, but he believes that his work and his company are as strong now as they’ve ever been.

“The products we were selling back then are still the finest on the market,” he said.

Over the years he’s had to adapt. The biggest change occurred as local restaurants like the Cosgriff, Golden Cavvy and Midwest Café closed. Instead of meeting over drinks or a meal, he started taking appointments with clients in their homes or offices.

Bill’s favorite perks are the incentive trips offered by New York Life.

“It’s amazing the places they have sent me: Switzerland, Ireland and Maui to name a few,” Bill said. “When you deliver a death claim, that is the only part of the business I don’t like.”

He used to put in 12 hours a day.

“I’m not working as hard as I did. I used to start at seven in the morning and worked until seven at night. Now I’m in at 10 a.m. and off by 4 p.m.”

He’s thought about retirement, but if he holds on for seven more years he and Dianne will set a New York Life record.

“We would be the only couple with 100 years of service with one company,” Bill said. “I hope my health holds up and, as long as that does, I’ll continue doing what I can.”

Contact Sasha Nelson at 970-875-1794 or snelson@CraigDailyPress.com.