- Terry Wellman
Terry has returned to the stars. Terry Wellman (Lester R.) died on Sunday, July 1, 2012, peacefully at his home on Mercer Island, WA. He was 72 and is survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Samantha and Jennifer, grandson Matthew and sister Susan Jakusz.
Terry was born in Chicago but grew up in Highland Park, IL. He graduated Antioch College in 1963 with a degree in business and psychology. His passion for computers and technology led to a successful career, first in sales of mainframes and then to management positions with companies developing dedicated word processors, desktop computers, and numerous imaging devices for the graphic arts. Terry was our “gestalt technologist,” using his broad knowledge in all areas of technology and his own creativity to predict and design leading edge products. He loved sharing that passion and enthusiasm. As a friend said, “Terry was a computing genius who was way ahead of his time. And every time he spoke to me about some computing idea he had there always was that sweet smile he had on his round face that was both enchanting and disarming.”
In the mid ’80’s Terry created a conceptual model for a “Personal InfoCom,” much like the smart phones of today. He designed and brought to market MPath, a graphical front end for the CTOS operating system. In 1986 he designed the specifications and managed the development of InPrint, a page layout and integrated Paint and Draw product for the PC well in advance of products on the market at the time.
Terry met Lisa, his wife of 47 years, at Antioch as he was rehearsing with his group for a weekly radio show of bluegrass music. For many years his contribution to the family’s dinner clean up was to supply music playing guitar, banjo and autoharp. We’re still singing those songs.
T was never happier than while messing around in the dirt, creating beautiful gardens in the many homes our family had over the years. In addition to designing the landscapes, he planted hundreds of trees, fruit and vegetable plots. He tended a collection of Bonsai trees for over 20 years.
To Lisa he was a lover, best friend, partner and mentor for almost 50 years. He was a loving husband for almost 48 years. T loved his family with everything he was. He never stopped trying to grow, to understand, to become. He did the work.
He believed that you needed to be able to say only five things to the one’s you care about: I love you, You matter to me, I’m sorry, Please and Thank you. He said them often. Especially the first two.
He will be missed but is carried in our hearts and minds in a thousand wonderful memories.
Terry’s family plans a private memorial service in the tall trees of northern California. In lieu of flowers, his family asks you consider a donation to The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org, or just plant a tree and remember T.