JULY 17, 1949 – JULY 14, 2021
Terry Lynn Palmer of Loveland, Colorado passed away suddenly on July 14th 2021 at the age of 72. Terry was born on the 17th of July, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas to James Berl and Margaret Louise Palmer (who both predeceased him).
As a youngster, Terry grew up working in his father’s shop (Palmer Upholstery and Auto Sales), club-level boxing, playing football, baseball, and softball, ¼ mile drag racing, and Boy Scouts. He was proud to tell, in great detail, about the injuries sustained during these activities that he commonly referred to as “battle scars”.
To support his studies in Technical Theatre at Tarrant County Junior College, Terry worked as a Journeyman Electrician - both trades becoming life-long careers. He completed an Associates of Arts degree at Tarrant County, and then on to the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre in 1972, with an emphasis in Scenic/Lighting Design. Over the summer of 1970, he was the touring Technical Director and Lighting Designer for the educational Ontario Youtheatre, traveling and performing throughout Canada, and celebrating his 21st birthday during the Canadian tour.
Terry was hired as the Technical Director (TD) to complete and operate the new theatre department complex at Richland Community College in Dallas, TX. By 1978, Terry had earned a Masters in Science from North Texas State University, with an emphasis in Technical Theatre. Concurrent with earning his graduate degree, Terry worked for Little Stage Lighting Company as a lighting consultant, technician, and followspot operator, traveling with bands such as ZZ Top, Aerosmith, and Willie Nelson. This endeavor brought him through Red Rocks in Denver, Colorado, encouraging his eventual relocation to Colorado.
In 1978, Terry was hired as the TD to oversee the theatrical system installations at the Lincoln Center Theatre in Fort Collins, Colorado. He continued to operate the theatre as the TD until 1985. Whereupon, he founded his own business specializing in theatrical consulting, contracting, fabrication, installation, and renovations – Terry Palmer Stage Services (TPSS), which he operated as a family business for the entirety of his life. Through TPSS, he contracted as a TD and set/light designer for numerous regional and community theatres across the Front Range. He maintained and supplied an inventory of rental theatrical lighting equipment. He fabricated and installed numerous theatrical rigging, lighting, curtain, and audio systems, both regionally and nationally. He renovated theatres, churches, performance and activity centers. Lastly, he specialized in theatrical electrical contracting. In the late 90’s, Terry worked throughout Colorado as a Master Electrician and Foremen, whereupon he maintained his electrical licensing to expand his TPSS business opportunities as an Electrical Contractor.
Terry met a “cute friend” at Richland College in 1972, and eventually married Martha “Doll” in Dallas, TX, on August 25th, 1979. The following day, he moved his wife to Fort Collins, Colorado, to begin their life and family together. Terry is survived by his wife of 42 years; their children, Travis (Nichelle) of CA, Troy (Carrie) of CO, Tucker (Kelly) of CO, and Tessa (Tyler) Sage of CO; three grandchildren (Emma, Everett, and Lilly) who all called him “Papa T”; sister Sheila Richards; step-father Hosea Stewart; close friend Jim Bruce; numerous relatives in Texas, Montana, and California; and his four-legged buddy, Yadi, the golden retriever. Over his life, Terry enjoyed many things and touched many people’s lives. He had a passion for helping, anything from helping a stranger on the side of the road, to volunteering in numerous community organizations, such as 4-H, Share Colorado, his children’s school bands and sports teams, and Boy Scouts of America. Giving was in his nature as he selflessly gave everything he had. You could often find him at the blood bank giving the gift of life, and as an organ donor, he was able to give one last time.
Terry loved being in the outdoors. So much so, that he took his new wife on a harrowing honeymoon adventure, trekking across the mountains of northern Colorado in the 4x4 van he built for such activities. His father instilled in him a passion for hunting, camping, and historical exploration – a passion he continued his whole life, ultimately passing on to his children as well. Stories and memories of hunting, camping and four-wheeling abound. Never a year passed that didn’t involve an adventure into the mountains of Colorado, typically involving freeing or fixing a stuck or broken-down vehicle. A trend that continues today, affectionately known as the “Palmer Curse”. If it was old, and had wheels, there was no end to his fascination or knowledge. In particular, he collected and restored 1950/60’s Forward Control (FC) Willys Jeeps, a passion he also passed on to his children. On Friday nights, it was common to see him at a cruise night in his 1960 FC-170 wrecker, where he would enthrall crowds with FC histories and stories past.
Terry was known as a master orator and historian – he loved telling stories, recanting adventures, and discussing historical knowledge. For a short period, he even moon-lighted doing voiceovers on historical documentaries, such as Fort Laramie Crossroads of the West and Forts of the Santa Fe Trail. Terry was an avid connoisseur of great food - always finding that hole-in-the-wall restaurant offering the best of foods. He loved his meats smoked and his grilled wings “crispy”.
His work and outdoor passions took him to many places, in which Terry would always find that local hot spring or hot tub that he could never resist visiting. He was a master craftsman - what he could do with his hands and mind was amazing and everlasting; a legacy his children strive to live up to. Terry’s skills were highly sought after and he would often barter and trade those skills to achieve an amicable deal. Similarly related, a phrase from one of his favorite TV programs, The Red Green Show, goes “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy”. He enjoyed singing, acting, and performing in many local plays and musicals. He was well-known for his quick wit, good nature, compassion, and kindness. Of all of his hobbies and interests, his favorite activity was simply spending time with his children and grandchildren either doing any of the aforementioned items, or simply sitting around a good meal talking for hours on end. He was loved by all and will be missed by many. However, to put it into his own words of reassurance that everything will work out in the end ~ “OKAY, fine”.
A Celebration of Life for Terry is tentatively planned for August 28th, pending the arrangement of an outdoor venue for all to enjoy.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Truck Historical Society - https://aths.org/donate/ Or Rocky Mountain Conservancy - https://rmconservancy.org/join-or-give/donate/
