A Tribute to

A Fallen Friend

Terry&Horse.jpg

Terry Thompkins

7/27/1953 – 6/12/2009

Who was Terry Thompkins? The finest gentleman you could ever hope to meet. Terry was a son, a brother and a dad to two fine sons Andy and Tanner. He was family to a group of people on the forum who loved him dearly – some of which he’d never get to meet in person.

Terry was a man of strong convictions and raised to be the perfect country gentleman. He had manners seldom seen in people today almost to a fault. He would take it on himself to opoligize for anything anyone did in his presence. Had a generous heart and was always there when people needed him.

Terry was from a small town in Montana known as Big Arm. It was from that, that he took is online handle – Big Arm Terry. He often posted pictures of his beloved home and those that saw them were enthralled by this little piece of paradise in the middle of nowhere.

Quite a lovely view from Terry’s back porch – he was so proud of that view

Terry had two sons that he was extremely proud of Taner (the eldest)and Andy (the youngest). He loved those boys and spoiled them shamelessly but the good strong Christian values instilled in them by their Dad kept them from getting into any serious problems.

Terry also has an much taller brother Ted and his wife Arlene who are close by.

Tanner Andy Brother Ted and his Wife Arlene

with Terry and the boys

Terry among other things - was a real live modern day cowboy and like most cowboys had a broken back to prove it. Terry’s back caused him constant pain but he never complained he just did what he could when he could. On the days couldn’t ride his most constant companion - his horse Dixie he was one mighty sad cowpoke. Terry loved that horse like family! He also had a cat name Dotie and an old Hound dog who’s names I can’t remember that would on occasion howl like a banshee and drive him crazy.

Terry teased quite a bit about being still being “pretty.” I’m not sure where that started but I susspect it came about when he was just a boy. Never did think to ask him. Here’s a series of photos trying to find his “best side,” to send to some gal he met online and was temporarily taken by. He decided all the sides were his best side and ended up sending something else – a picture on Dixie I believe.

Terry did have two weeknesses that I know of. One was girls! Terry desperately wanted to find someone to love and to love him back. Problems was he was so darn good they all wanted to take advantage of him so we had to keep a really close eye on his choice of ladies.

Terry had one true love – his Maxine. They had known each other for over 30 years and due to responsibilities of raising their respective families they never got together. We had many a long conversation about whether he should wait for his Maxine. He was so lonely. I always told him if it was meant to be it will be. She surely seemed like the one for him. They were plannning on getting together in the near future when all the kids were grown – but alas this never came to be …

Terry also liked his adult beverages. I think this was really bad for his sugar but if you mensioned this little tid bit he’d say “I’m gonna die 300 pounds and happy!” I sure hope he died happy, albeit missing his Maxine.

Terry could be quite the cut up. He was a nut and when things would get slow one the forum or Pal Talk, he would be the butt of the jokes just to keep things rolling. He had a great sence of humor and could take as much as he got – often followed by a PM to me asking if I thought they’d take it as a joke. He never wanted to hurt any ones feelings. He was very sensitive, warm and loving man.

As most of you now know Terry was also severly diabetic. Many a night on the phone or on Pal Talk we’d have to PM him and say “Terry I think you need to check your sugar – you’re talking funny.” Very often his sugar would be way up there and he’d need to take his medicine.

He had an almost child like innocence about him he could just melt your heart. He was no ones fool but had a deep trust and easy going attitude that made you want to just take care of him.

On June 12^th 2009 Terry’s diabeties got the better of him and he fell into a diabetic coma. Terry didn’t recover. I wish we were on Pal Talk on the 12^th … I will miss you so much my dear Terry. If God has mares in Heaven I know he saved you the best one!

These are my favorite pictures of Terry: