As we remember, we see a life full of meaningful relationships, human frailties, a hunger to know the truth, deep personal growth, and an insatiable drive to express and honor his gift of music. Terry lived his life with this priority - driven to grow and express this gift. Many who loved him may mourn the loss of such a rare talent, but I believe he is now free to express his music in the heavenly places, with the Lord removing every torment and wiping every tear. Terry has his music and peace. I believe Terry is free - free to be himself like never before, and free to express his beautiful gift of music in new ways beyond my imagination.
In the last few days, we had a chance to talk about the deep stuff. He expressed to me his love for his students and co-workers and what a family he had found in these relationships. As he was preparing to depart, these people were never far from his mind or heart.
Terry had brought a guitar with him, and while sitting was painful, his music was part of his passing, and served to bring him peace. One of the last times he played his guitar, we were all seated out on the deck. Terry was propped up with pillows, and was given his guitar and asked if he felt like playing. He paused for a moment, smiled to himself, and with great physical difficulty, strightened his posture. Those who were sitting near tried to help him relax and lean back in the chair, thinking that is what he was trying to accomplish. No, the smile was for his memories, and at that moment, the deck was full of his students, He mentioned that he was remembering how many times he corrected their posture. With an intense effort, he sat up straight to play one of his last songs. I had a feeling it was a tribute to his present and past students and the value they gave his life.
During the evening, he would tire easily, but seemed to be really enjoying playing and talking with us. At one point, he needed a rest, and passed the guitar to his cousin. Jimmy asked for requests, and amidst the tears we sang (not well) together. I apologized to Terry that not only were all his siblings girls, but he seemed to have received all the musical talent in the family. We were really having a hard time finding songs we knew that Jimmy could play by ear. At one point, Terry's neice, a precocious three-year-old, asked if Jimmy knew the ABC song. Jimmy said no, but Terry being the music teacher, encouraged Ellie to sing it and he would help Jimmy identify the chords so he could play along. Ellie began singing A, B, C, D, while Jimmy looked to Terry for guidance. Terry began to call out the chords to Jimmy, something like CC, EE, FF, C. Ellie looked right at Terry with great exasperation and said "NO! A, B, C, D...."
REMEMBERING AN EVENING OF MUSIC
"TL, WHERE YOU ARE GOING - THE GUY IN CHARGE REALLY LIKES MUSIC"
In our last hours together, Terry expressed sadness that he was going to lose the expression of his gift. His nephew Jon mentioned that Terry was on his way to heaven, and that he was going to meet the Lord, and that the Lord loved music. When music brings you peace, or comforts you, or stirs up your drive, it is an expression of God's love for you, and I know, my brother Terry is helping.
"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble. May He send you help from the sanctuary, and support from heaven. May He grant you your heart's desire.
We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your prayers. I know that the Lord saves His annointed. He will answer from His holy heaven, with the strength of His right hand. Psalm 20.
Terry is loved by his four sisters and their families:
Nancy and Mark Hagloch---daughters Bethany and Elliana
Mickie and Joe Jackson---sons Justin and Timothy, daughter Sara
Kathy and Steve Pendergraft---sons Ryan and Jason
Aileen and Ray Leslie---son Jon and daughter Alicia
Aunt Eileen Mulhauser, Uncle Ray Bremkamp, Uncle Jim Conley, Aunt Rose Muha
Terry had many cousins that he loved deeply.
Jimmy Duffy was more like a brother. Terrry's parents Terrence Bremkamp and Nancy Duffy preceded him in passing.
Terry's family would like to thank his students, AA buddies, lifelong friends, and coworkers at the music store.
A special tribute to Maestro Rey de la Torre, and the impact he made on Terry's life. In life and forever you remain Terry's mentor and friend.
