It is with sadness that I announce the passing my good friend, - TopicsExpress

It is with sadness that I announce the passing my good friend, Terry Maetche, someone whom I had the pleasure of spending countless summer days with when we were in elementary and junior high school. Together with another of my greatest friends, Pat Miles, we roamed the vast fields and valleys on the north and east sides of the city, first on bicycles and then on motorcycles, in search of the best places to make forts. From these bases we would conduct our explorative forays into what was for us, a vast untouched wilderness. In junior high school, Terry spearheaded a school radio station where we happily played DJ over the school intercom at lunchtime. I was happy to play along by bringing my vinyl to school and making the occasional appearance on air as it meant a certain level of adulation was bestowed upon us by the attendant females. There are so many stories to tell, some that shouldnt be shared until the kids are a bit older, lest you give them ideas (as if they dont have enough of their own), and other tales that would make anyone laugh to hear them. As life generally is, around the late teen years, we found different paths, created lives for ourselves and drifted ever so slowly apart. There was never a thought in my mind that I would never see Terry again. It was assumed, like it is for so many of the people that filter through our lives, that there would be a happy reunion at some point. In this case it was not meant to be, for when I learned of his ill health just days ago, and finally found a way to reach out to him, he was in his final hours. If not for the efforts of Jori Ann Maetche Gruza, I may have missed out on the touching and final conversation that I had the great pleasure to share with my friend Terry. On the phone, over long distance, I was able to share my gratitude with Terry on being such a big part of my happy childhood. We shared a few laughs at the good times we had, I heard him laugh and he told me to stay in touch. I am so grateful that I had that golden opportunity to say goodbye, to have that last chance to share a remnant of friendship that at one time meant so much. So long my friend, there are many that will miss you for a long time to come. See you on the flip side.