Sad news. For a few years Terry was very active here and always had encouraging comments for everyone. There was true joy in his heart and respect for the humanity in all of us. Plus, he wore a good hat. RIP.
So sad to hear. Terry was a great guy. We exchanged a lot of emails. I purchased a dulcimer from him one time. He invited me to stop by and visit him if ever I traveled his way.
I am very saddened to hear this news. Terry was a good friend to me when I first joined this site some ten years ago. He encouraged me to enjoy and appreciate my own style of playing (self taught) and singing. I hadn’t seen Terry on this site for some time but just attributed it to my own intermittent activities here (not on as much as I used to be). He was truly a good person. Rest In Peace Terry.
I wanted to add- Terry Wilson was very active in playing music for elderly and/or disabled folks. He was quite active in fotmd's "Dulcimer Therapy" Group , if you would like to Join that group to read all the inspiring threads there. In one of his threads in that group, he wrote the following a few years ago. I think Terry would like that I share his words here today:
"I'd sure like to see this group revived. Senior Ministry is my heart. I love it and participate with a passion. I also head up our Senior Ministry at my church, with the name of SALT, which stands for Senior Adults Living Triumphantly. And I am here to tell you, our group of approx 75 attempt to live this way every day. We have ministries in Assisted Living Homes, Nursing homes, a Hospital, a food bank, and a local Rescue Mission, and a Prison.
We don't all go out and play music, in fact, I am the only one. But we do lead bible studies, and our largest, sewing. We distributed over 600 bags and pillows last year, and that's not counting blankets, bibs, and toiletries.
I say all of the above, so you would know what I am all about, and it's genuine. We have a heart for seniors.
Which leads me to say this: "If you are considering performing at an Assisted Living Home, first, you must have a heart for it. Compassion and passion.
Don't wait until you are a great or even a good musician, just be willing and DO IT. I play every week at one and every two weeks at another. I do it all myself, except I have someone to come in and lead a 10 min. devotion. I sing, play dulcimer, ukulele, and harmonica. I AM NOT GOOD AT ANY OF THOSE!!!! BUT THEY LOVE ME!!!! Go figure, huh? I consider myself just marginally adequate. But my goodness, I have great fun, and it's great practice.
Every week, one 94 year old woman will say; "We don't know what you are, but we sure do like you. Thank you for coming." Another lady will say: "There is no one quite like you."
One of the big differences between my ministry and others who come there is this: I engage them. I use them. I encourage them to participate. The less singing I have to do the better.
I provide song sheets to every song to hand out. All in large print. Take them up as each song is finished. Can't give them to much at one time. Even if they just look at the sheet and not sing, no matter, everyone gets one. Their eyes tell you they want one. I also provide hand shakers, and they love their shakers. Great therapy.
Twice during the last 12 months I have bused the residents who participate to our church to perform for our church group. It is a real "hoot", and they love it.
I would sure love to hear what some of ya'll do. I need some new stuff...
Okay, I'm off now to my "gig" with the old folks. This morning from 10:00 until 11:00 is my time. I'm amp't up this morning.
Thank You, Terry"
I had some lovely interactions with Terry-- such as nice fellow! I hope his passing was as peaceful as possible.
Someone just let me know that fotmd member @Terry-Wilson passed away in Oct 2023.
I am very sad to hear this, as I had many fun discussions and interactions with Terry over the years here on FOTMD. A veteran, Terry was deeply dedicated to playing music and bringing joy to older people in living facilities. He played multiple instruments and enjoyed playing songs that everyone knew and could sing or clap along with. Terry had so much positive energy that he loved to share!
Terry we will miss you.
https://www.mathewsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/terry-wilson
