Terry is dead?? It seems impossible but that great guy has passed on. I will miss him and that focus on the truth that he never compromised. We just heard from him yesterday and now he is gone. Linda will feel so lost without him - we all will.
I am so happy that I was able to stay with him for nearly a month this fall. He was a delight, his energy was catching, the power of his brain had me in awe. He made me laugh and he cooked some lovely meals for me. I was blessed to have known him.
Roger Liebmann
High Steppin’ John
When High Steppin’ John went home today We old friends solemnly gathered to pray And remember the times we’d spent together In many different places, and in all kinds of weather
But soon the sadness gave way to smiles As we recalled the lighthearted miles Our feet danced over as the years eased by: There really was no need to cry.
For High Steppin’ John wasn’t called that by chance His time on earth held joy and romance; His easy nature transcended the mundane Which is how he came to be tagged with that name.
He could out-drink any man, and out-work him, too And he’d sing you a little song when things got blue, For mopin’ and bitchin’ weren’t part of his game And the people he befriended soon felt the same.
Yep, High Steppin’ John went home today With many a warm thought to bless his way Though the light, just now, may seem a tad dim, It shone brighter for years because of him.
So ladies and gents, good friends gathered here, Let’s remember him as he lived, and be of good cheer We’ve sent him on his way, now step up for a beer And we'll toast old John with eyes free of tears.
Here in this time we never got to meet but 'somewhere in time ' I know we shall greet Your beliefs may be a little different from mine It is of no matter or of any rhyme for I have faith that the God that made us both will allow us someday to meet… 'somewhere in time'... until then I shall keep you
We're all shocked, but I think I know what Terry would want us to remember. He didn't back down from his own take on things just to please anyone. He took life as it came and enjoyed it for what it was. He was a gifted intellectual, and he enriched our lives with his mind and spirit. Karen Rice
Sad to say a great guy has passed. Very funny with his wit, sharp with his mind. Terry will be missed by me and many, many, many more. Viet Nam vet, father of 10. What more can one say about a person that has not already been said? We will miss you, T. God bless you and Linda and the rest of your family.....Dave Davies
I just couldn't break this to SafeHaven when I posted earlier. Sorry Y'all, I just didn't have the heart to do it. Thanks Roger. I talked to Terry the night before last, we were kidding around about some sort of joke and well anyway when I said goodnight I said something I had never said to Terry before, {I reckon Tina and Karen are rubbing off on me a bit}, I said I love you man. I meant it too, he said I love you too big guy. I had only once before wanted to say that to him back last year when he was in the hospital. I was so honored to meet Roger when Terry and Linda brought him here a couple months ago. I promised him I wouldn't cry for him but be happy, that I knew him and revel in that, not allow myself to miss him, or be sad. I am sorry Terry, I lied I feel so damn sad, and yes I'm up to my ass in tears. Goodnight Terry I love you man! Garland Young
I'm very saddened that Linda has lost the love of her life. I am sad for the family members. I did not know Terry except to share an email once in a while, but I know Linda and through her I have learned what a great person Terry was. He will be missed by many, many people he will however, leave a great many fond memories that make it possible to remember him fondly.
Bill McGrath LSHS '63
I have heard so many wonderful things about Terry a man I would love to have known, Linda, his children and loved ones were lucky to have such a man in their life, I would like to say to the family how sorry I am in the passing of Terry......He will be missed.....my prayers are with you and also my sorrow... with deepest sympathy......Helene Agate-Yenna
Life is not a guaranteed. Day one starts the count down. Were here because it is. Our God holds our cards.
When he has a winner he calls them home. Steve Brandenburg
Your friendship so priceless. Your lessons so true.
Thank you, Terry for all that you gave me. For all your support over the years. For always being there. For giving me my head start in my career. For believing me. For unwavering loyalty. The hours we spent together will always be valued.
While the years and paths of life separated us, we always managed to stay in touch. Now I look back and reflect on that. It was more than 20 years. It takes a lot of effort to keep a friendship going that long when so many miles and life changes are in the middle of it all. Yet with you it seemed so easy.
Goodbye old friend. I will miss you but I will never forget.
Your friend,
Steve (Steve Sarno)
I Bid You Adieu and God Speed, Terry
I doubt that we agreed on anything
We were as different as day and night
I am opinionated and so were you
Neither of us wrong, neither of us right
When my computer was acting up
You were right there to help me sort it out
I spoke of my deep faith in God
You spoke of your doubts
I've learned so much from this
That today may be the end
And today’s words may be the last
No time left for fences to mend
Your words didn't change me
And my words didn't change you
Only thing is I left too soon
And didn't get to bid you adieu
Wherever you are I pray you're at peace
Free from the memory of War and pain
You left your footprints in this life
Our memory of you will always remain
Mary Rogers
The only thing I can think of is a line from a Roger Whittaker song. It is true for everyone, I guess: "When we say our first hello we begin our last goodbye." I am sorry that day came so soon for Terry. He will be missed. GB TT Tina Rice
