I first met Terry shortly after Noreen and I started dating – at a family event in St Louis. I was immediately struck by how intensely he listened to a conversation, how engaged he would be and how genuinely interested he was in anything I had to say, always curious and willing to share his own experiences with me. In the years since that first meeting, whenever we were together at family gatherings, he would often pull me aside just to talk one on one, or for a joke or two. I got the sense he was saving them just for me.
In the summer we’d go to baseball games together – out to dinner first, of course – then on to the game. Terry seemed to know a great deal about not just the game, but the players and the coaches and the history of the team – both ours and theirs. I always thought this was the absolute best way to attend a game, with someone who knew a great deal and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. I suppose baseball junkies of all stripes do this, but Terry was the best. He knew and loved the sport, and it was infectious. We arrived early and stayed until the last pitch. As it should be.
After Terry moved to St Louis he quickly discovered a number of restaurants around town (as I think of it now, he probably already knew them). A select few became favorites, and for those he became a favorite patron. He’d tell us all about them, and occasionally take us out – his treat, naturally – as he loved not only good food, but sharing the experience and spreading the word. He lit up the room when we’d arrive, and it was clear that the servers knew him well and appreciated him for the way he treated them. Generous with his compliments to the cooks and the staff, and I’m sure with his tips to the server. No small wonder they were glad to see him …. he was gracious to a fault.
He left us too soon, and with his passing he left timeless memories that I’ll always treasure. As this life goes on, there will be new restaurants to discover and baseball games, too. But there will never be another Terry.
One day I’ll back to a game. I’ll get there early and I’ll stay late – and I when I look around and take it all in, I know that Terry will be with me. Rest in Peace, Terry. I’ll see you again in extra innings.