In Memorium

Hello Everyone.

This is Adrian Olson Terry's eldest son.  It is my sad duty to inform everyone that after an almost 14 year battle with cancer my father succumbed this morning.  He passed very peacefully in his sleep around 5 am.  Given the pain and struggle of the last 2.5 years in particular this was the best end we could hope for him.

He is survived by his wife Chris his three children Adrian, Andrew and Ellen and his two grandsons Thomas and Nick.  

For now we just wanted to get the news out to everyone that cared so much about Terry and followed his writings.  I hope to make time to post some more rememberances about my father from the family in the days to follow.

Comments

[Tauna Rogers]

I am so sorry for your loss and saddened to hear this news. I only knew your dad from the blog world but I admired him and will miss him. Some time ago I think he posted something about taking a leave from blogging for a bit due to health reasons but I had no idea it was so serious. I wish I had checked on him. Again, I am very sorry.

[Gina Smitasin]

Adrian,

I found this blog yesterday as I was confirming Terry's address. I'm so sorry for your families loss. Your dad touched many lives and was a wonderful influence to a lot of people. The first day we moved to Malden he came over to help us with our broken garage door. Living among that group of people while raising our kids was a magical time I'll never forget and always treasure.

One of my favorite memories was the day Ardy and I proclaimed Roy Orbison Days and hung a banner across the front porch of Terry and Chris's house. It was the day of the block party and Terry and I had been battling for years over listening to Roy or The Art of Noise. We got up early to hang it because we wanted him to see it as he picked up his newspaper that morning. Watching him see the banner, start laughing and looking around is just one of many fond memories I have of him.

Take care. Gina

[Marian]

Dear Adrian and family,
I have been following Terry's blog for a couple years. He was always a thoughtful and reasonable voice on so many issues, including schools, health care, and these senseless wars. I wish I had checked in on him, as I had no idea he was in such ill health. I didn't know Terry personally but I wish I had. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. You are blessed to have a strong, wise father whose legacy will live on.
Marian

[Steve Rawley]

Adrian, thanks for posting this. To you and your family, my deepest condolences.

Terry was a critical influence in getting me to start blogging about Portland Public Schools. He was always supportive and encouraging, even while he was literally fighting for life.

He was larger than life, and I am richer for having known him.

[Anne T]

Adrian,
My thoughts are with you and your family. Your father's writings on politics and the forum he provided here taught me and countless others a lot. Thank you for letting us know. I will write more soon.

Here is the service information from the Oregonian:
From the Oregonian

"Services will be held at 2pm, Thursday Oct 22, in First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1816 NW Irving Portlnad OR. Reception at Terry's sister's house in West Linn afterward.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the public school district of your choice."

Anne Trudeau
Portland OR

[Nancy R.]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Harry Kershner]

My condolences for your loss. I will miss the back and forth with your father, who was a Mensch.

[cindy young]

Terry will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
A wonderful man he was.
~Cindy

[Zarwen]

This is a loss not only for your family but for the whole city, as Terry had so many important things to say about local issues, especially education. He will be sorely missed. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.

[marcia]

I will miss Terry's insightful writing. It was something I always looked forward to reading. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marcia

[Nancy Smith]

Portland's children and citizens have lost a true friend and voice for equity.

Terry, I miss you. I admire you so much - your passion, dedication, kindness, reason and intellect.

May you rest in peace, and may your family be comforted by knowing what a positive impact you have made in the lives of all you have touched - including the children you so actively advocated for.

Your work lives on. Your life lives on.

I love you.

[Ruth Adkins]

Adrian, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Terry was a wonderful person and will indeed be missed. Thank you, Terry, for your passion, intellect, and eloquence in the service of social justice and peace.