I was hoping to reconnect with a dear friend today and was heart-broken to see this show up after searching for him.
Terry Fobbs had an especially big impact on me when I was a boy growing up in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It has been over 25 years since I last saw him, and yet he still comes up in the random conversation. 
In the mid-1990’s, Terry volunteered with the Boy-Scouts of America (BSA) program and was my troops Scoutmaster. Those were memorable years which I look back on with fondness.
 
Scoutmaster Fobbs had an intensity about him that was contagious. Wherever he led, we followed. Terry taught us about keeping up the momentum and achieving worthy goals. He pushed us hard. But when we reached a milestone or received some award, no one cheered harder for us (except possibly our mom’s). 
He took us to some of the coldest places imaginable, where we learned survival and how to make a serviceable shelter out of snow. He also brought us to some of the poorest parts of downtown Detroit, where we learned service, compassion, and the importance of working hard in life. I was so fortunate to have had someone like Terry Fobbs to teaching me during those impressionable years.
When I was 14, my family and I moved to other side of the country, and we lost touch with the Fobbs family. 
As time passed, I continued, albeit less enthusiastically in the scouting program until the day came when I was able to finish up the last few requirements in the way of getting my Eagle Scout award – the BSA’s highest honor. 
I will never forget my utter shock that day. To my surprise, into the Court of Honor walked my old Scoutmaster, dressed in full Army regalia and a look of total pride on his face as he presented me with my award... and a big Terry Fobbs hug. 
I’m going to miss him.

I have never met Papa Terry to remember him but from what my family says he is a great man.



I can’t believe that I just found Terry’s obituary today while searching for him in hopes of making contact, almost 8 years too  late. He was a great friend when I worked for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. He’d come to audit our training grants, and he’d set up a desk by first putting up pictures of his beloved wife. That’s how I found out that he wasn’t as gruff as his military demeanor first suggested. I retired in 2011 and never saw him again. I’m heartbroken to know that he’s gone...and for so long. May his sweet soul Rest In Peace.

Thank you, Terry, for your wonderful influence at such an early age in my life.  I will always remember your kind and generous spirit, and know that your work on this earth will stand for eternity.  Thank you for being my friend and brother in Christ.  Laurel Giles

To Mrs. Fobbs and Family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you.  I was very sorry to hear of Terry's untimely passing.  He was a wonderful person.  We worked together in the State Emergency Operations Center.  I was the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Community Health and Terry served in the same role for the State Fire Marshal.  Terry was a kind, smart and generous man.  He was always ready with a helping hand, a warm smile, and encouraging words.  It was an honor to serve with him.  He will be sorely missed by many, many people.  May God bless you and bring you peace and comfort.

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss.  May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time.  On behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.  (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake,  Send for request to:  Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND  58701.  (This service is free to all veteran families).  Thank you for your serving from one veteran to another - Thanks!

It was truly an honor to know and work with Terry. Terry's service to his Country and our State of Michigan was outstanding. His smile will be missed. Our prayers to the family and loved ones.

My sincere condolences go out to Terry's family. He was a mentor, Soldier, leader, and friend. He will be deeply missed.  LTC Donald W Gates, Commander, 1-330th Regt

LeAnn, my deepest sympathies just don't seem enough. I can't image what you and your family are going through over the loss of Terry.  For me he was a great boss, a wonderful mentor and a good friend.  When I met him, I never imagined that we would be such good friends but you just couldn't help it.  You were drawn to his joy, his passions.  He was always so happy and his passion and commitment showed in everything he did.  He put everything into what was important to him, his family, his religion, his military career, his education, but most of all his passion for you.  I'm so sorry.

Leann, Terry will be so missed.  Terry, just loved being a guest speaker at my classes and when class were over we would go out to eat.  Boy could he eat and I was so proud of him that he would take the time to come to my class. My boys were touched by him, they were very sadden to hear about his passing.

Terry was a remarkable man, a man as big as his laughter, as brave as his lion's heart, and as deep as his love for his family, his country, and his God. He will be dearly missed. Over the many years we worked together, from one State Dept. to another, he remained a true friend. LeAnn, you and Terry were both so blessed to finally find your life's true love in each other. Some never know that kind of love, the kind that will last forever. May God bless you and your family with the comfort only He can bring. I Thess. 4:13-18 speaks of that  comfort.  "...that you may not grieve as those who have no hope..."  You and your family will be in my prayers.

My most sincere condolences to all of the Fobb's family in your loss, I pray God strengthen and comfort you in this your time of bereavement, and that you take heart in the knowledge that God is in control and he makes no mistakes. God Bless and keep you all is my prayer in Jesus Name, Amen!

Leann, please accept my sincerest condolences for the sudden loss of your wonderful husband. I met Terry through Facebook several years ago. We became fast friends. His is a great legacy of service to his Father in Heaven, his fellow man and his country. I will miss him greatly!

I was sorry to hear about the death of COL Terry Fobbs. Terry and I were active in The Department of Michigan Reserve Officers Association. He was a great supporter of ROA and he will be missed a great deal. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. 

Charles B. Thornell, Jr.
COL,AUS,(Ret.)

I met him at my husband's funeral June 14th, 2012 , very caring and compassionate man. I am honored to have met him. My heart goes out to his family!

Sincerely,

Leann and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I will miss the many long and wisdom filled conversations that Terry and I shared over the years. Conversations about his cars, jobs and life in general.  He was definitely a teacher and always willing to provide guidance in dealing with life situations.

I have just been appointed to the Fire Safety Board and have only had a couple of chances to talk to Terry.  What a great man. His smile I will always remember.  He will be greatly missed. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Lt Ron Sabin
Grand Rapids Fire Department

Evin, my sincerest and deepest sympathies for you and your family. You are my brother and my best friend.  I am so very sorry for the loss of Terry.  Cherish the memories.... May God bless you and your family.

Liz Alexander

To the Fobbs family, my thoughts, prayers, and my condolences go out to all of you. Colonel Fobbs was a true warrior, a great mentor, outstanding leader, a great patriach, and he was a kind gentleman. He was a great inspiration to many of us and I am honored to have served with him. May God heal and protect the Fobbs family. 

Respectfully,

LTC Tyrone D. Clifton
Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff 
Army Reserve Affairs, 3rd Army 
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

LeAnn and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Terry's passing and please know that your entire family is in my prayers.  Terry and I served together in the Army Reserve and he was a very good friend and superb leader.  His positive outlook and high injury made it so good to work with him regardless of the circumstances.  May this true patriot citizen soldier rest in peace.  COL(Ret.) Bill Mushrush

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time.There are so many memories of Terry while working at EDJT. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My deepest condolences.

LeAnn and family,
I was saddened to hear that Terry passed, but I know he fought all the way.  Such was his nature.  We became good friends at the state and from the service and Steve and I could not be sorrier.  He was a gifted man with lots of smiles and wisdom to share.  His hugs are legendary. We will remember him fondly always and hope your good memories will strengthen with time and the sorrow will lessen.  His family is his legacy and it is a strong one!  All our best.
Steve and Carol Clark

Hugs and prayers to you LeAnn.  I've been thinking of you and will continue to pray for comfort.  Although Terry's time was way to short he left a lasting impression on those around him. My niece and nephews lives will be forever touched by their Grandpa Terry:-)

My deepest sympathy to Terry's family and friends who grieve his passing. May we remember that his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. Colonel Terry was such an honorable man, and his encouragement and influence built stronger foundations in the lives of so many, myself included. Thank you, Colonel, for your gift of friendship, for your dedicated service to country, and for being such an incredible man of honor. You will be missed, but we will keep your memory alive as prayers are lifted for your loved ones. Rest peacefully now in the arms of angels.

LeAnn, I love you and Terry so much. I remember the last time I saw the two of you at the temple. What a great last memory. 
The passing of this great man is truly a loss for all of us who knew him. He will be sorely missed. 
'Til we meet again Colonel, RIP!
My most sincere prayers are for you and your family LeAnn.

LeAnn and family, 

Terry and I were students together in Capella University's doctoral program. While we never met until graduation, we carried on a good friendship during the time that we were students there. I always had the greatest respect for Terry. He was a friend, colleague and supporter. On my Facebook page I have joyous photos with Terry and other friends at graduation. 

May the happy moments and warm memories of times spent together console you in your time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Terry was the light that lead me to my beloved husband.  Ben and have will always hold him in a special place in our hearts

It was a honor to share a far too short time with you COL. I pray your family finds God's peace in the good memories.
CAPT Gordon T. Austin USN (ret)

Terry was one of the most dedicated patriots and Christians I have had the joy of knowing. He was a gift in many lives and I am blessed to have called him a friend. My condolences to LeAnn and the family, and I will join you in spirit on Sunday and Monday as you celebrate his remarkable life.

Terry was blessed with numerous talents.

He possessed a conscientious work ethic, never satisfied with the status quo.  Terry was eager and proud to do his ultimate best, no matter what the circumstance, and he loved to lead the way.  

Terry loved his family.  He loved people and being constantly surrounded by others.  He loved laughter and joking.  Terry had a quick wit.  He loved life, exhibiting high energy wherever he went.  He loved his hot chocolate and cider.  You could never find a speck of dirt on or in his polished car.  He enjoyed his colleagues--both subordinates and superiors.  He received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was not only a life-long learner, but also a life-long volunteer and helper. He was there to lend a hand and helped many.  He loved the Lord and his Church. When reflecting on his life, I am reminded of this Beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied." Terry continuously fought the good fight.  He would stop soldiers on the streets of Lansing during his lunch hour and thank them for their service.

I am proud to have worked under and with Terry for over 10 years throughout my State of Michigan career.  Terry was my boss and became a personal friend.  Terry continuously demonstrated an analytical and curious intellect; he was capable of quickly solving problems and arriving at viable solutions.  I already miss my professional and personal friend who always joked and was willing to listen and lend advice when asked. I will miss the laughter.

May your soul rest in peace, my dear friend.  Thank you for your every good deed and kindness.  May we meet again one day in the Lord's kingdom where every tear will be wiped away. 

LeAnn, Terry's mom, and entire Family--you are all and will continue to be, along with Terry, in my daily prayers. 

May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow.  God bless you~

LeAnn,  
I was so completely surprised to hear of Terry's passing.  He was a great man and was frequently in my thoughts, those times I met up with you and him downtown, the energy and exhuberence he always displayed shaking my hand at church, or as I observed him shaking others' hands.  How fortunate you were to be so close and have shared life with such a great man.  I wish you much peace and comfort at this time.  Be well and take care.

Your sister in Christ,

Sorry to hear about terry death. My thoughts to his wife and family!

So sorry to see you leave so soon, dear friend, but we will meet again. LeAnn, I love you and you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

My sincere condolences to the family from an ROA comrade. Terry had the respect of everyone I knew with whom he was acquainted. We all lost a great American Patriot with his passing.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

LeAnn and Family,

Terry was a man who lived how he believed.  So grateful to have had the privilege of getting to know him.  You are in my thoughts and prayers!

My uncle was a great man and will be sorely missed. My condolences to LeAnn and all those who feel the pain of his absence.

Leann,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, and our friend. As the line from the West Point Alma Mater goes, referring to soldiers,"And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said,'Well done;Be thou at peace'."
Terry and Donna Benshoof

LeAnn and Family,

Connie and I are so sorry to hear about Terry.  You and the family are in our prayers.

LeAnn, My deepest and heartfelt condolences.  Terry was a great man and an excellenct mentor.  I will always remember his "Fobbisms"

He will always live in our hearts and minds.

What a privilege it was to have worked with Terry when I was in Lansing.  He was a very dedicated, caring and professional person who always thought of family and the “other person” first.  Although Terry was not a fire fighter by trade he learned to “walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk” with the best.  I will have many fond memories of our time together.   I will miss you my friend.
   
Ronald Farr 
former Michigan State Fire Marshal

Dear LeAnn, 
My sincere condolences for your loss.  Terry was great to work for, with, and around and truly a patriot of our Country. He was one of the most devoted family men I've ever known.  May he rest eternally in peace. 
Carol Kleinhans, Lansing, MI

Our sincerest condolences to the family, Terry was a huge part of the Michigan Fire Service. He will be deeply missed. Godspeed to our fallen brother

May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Terry was a fine man and a warrior for our country and above all a Soldier for God here on earth. 
I am greatly saddened by the loss of him here, but rejoice in the fact that he is sitting at the right hand of God now.

My condolences to the entire Fobbs family.  Knowing the entire family from a young child growing up in Michigan, I have many memories of Terry - being that strong, leader-type young man that he was - even back then!  May God grant all of you peace and strength at this time.

My deepest condolence goes out to you all. Terry was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed by me. I first met Terry three years ago while he was working for the fire Services at Constitution Hall. I left that building and was so glad to see that he had been transferred to the Ottawa building. He always took the time to say hello or gave me some form of encouragement. I  truly miss my friend. Rest in peace Terry!!

~Annette Smith, Haslett, Michigan

LeAnn, we are saddened by the passing of Terry and pray for you. We love you both very much and desire to be a continued part of your life. We have learned so much from both of you.

Terry will continue to be an inspiration and guide to me and my family. He has been such a beacon of hope and happiness with a vast understanding and desire to teach others. He will be sorely missed. We are grateful for his life and rejoice in our understanding of God's plan of Happiness.

LeAnn, I am so sorry for your loss. Terry was a loyal friend, a proud defender of our country and a true gentleman. It's a sad day for all of us. You and he are in my prayers. 

Sabrina

Colonel, as I always called you. May your soul be calm and know that you will be greatly missed by your beloved wife and family and so many friends who you helped, supported with encouragement and friendship.As you look down from heaven we are looking up at you, missing you and waving Hello!

LOVE YOU TERRY !!!! I will miss you and always treasure the friendship we had as brother and sister.You were a great uncle to Seann,Michael and Arndrea.a kind brother -n-law to my husband Tim.We shared lots of Love and Laughter and family gatherings. Your great advice to always "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF" and to expect and receive the "BEST OUT OF LIFE  !!!!" LOVE  your sister CHERYL FOBBS-LEWIS

Dear Leann & Family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with all of you. Terry was a friend & colleague of mine. We met during our doctoral programs at Capella University and continued our post-doc scholarly collaborations in research & teaching. Terry was recently appointed the Treasurer, Board Member for the newly created non-profit organization, People Against Illicit Drugs (PAID) because of his integrity, wisdom, and passion to educate the public about the dangers of synthetic drugs and to help people who struggle with drug abuse. Terry leaves a legacy of leadership & faithful service that inspires others to do the same.  He is a blessed man and he will be greatly missed. Peace be with all of you.

Terry was a wonderful friend to me when I met him working for the state.  I loved his great attitude and sharing ways.  He was just so wonderful.  I gave him the confidence to go up and talk to LeAnn when he first met her.  He really was quite smitten with her right away from when he first seen her.  I loved Terry was a very happy soul and I was lucky to meet, work with him and be a small part of his life.  He sincerely gave me so much laughter all the time I worked with him.  I know he will be missed so much by all his family.  He sure did love all those women he was surrounded by and the new family that LeAnn brought to him.  May God Bless his soul and give peace to his family.  Linda Cook  previously of Grand Ledge, Michigan and now from Lady Lake, Florida

Terry will be remembered for his kindness and wit. 
My sincere condolences go out to the family. 
May your memories carry you through.

Dear LeAnn, They don't make too many men like Terry any more.  He was a true gentleman, a real patriot, and a man of integrity whose word meant something, and he always kept his word.  He was a loyal friend and I knew he would do anything for me.  Most importantly, he loved you and his family so much.  He was a good man and I was fortunate to have him as a friend.  You have my deepest sympathy.

Mrs Leann, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. COL Fobbs  was a great leader and mentor to me. I will always cherish the laughs we had and his dedication to duty.

So sorry to find out that Terry has passed on. I was so looking forward to meeting this amazing person at work in the Ottawa Building.

Terry's energy and enthusiasm for the Michigan Fire Service is greatly appreciated.  Terry helped move several state-wide projects forward with passion, attention to detail, and he always worked for the greater good.  On a personal note, I will miss my friend and especially his warmth, humor and kindness.  My sincere condolences to Terry's family for your loss.

What a great guy!  Always willing to help and follow through.  He assisted me greatly.  He will be missed by many; my condolences and prayers to his family.

Timothy R. Tinney Former State Fire Safety Board Member

LeAnn & Family,
Our heartfelt condolences.  Terry's smile,friendly personality, and service to his country will always shine bright.  God Bless and Luv.
Marsha & Rick

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry and my husband bonded over similarities in life challenges.  He will always be remembered for his bear-like hugs.  I will miss seeing him in the Ottawa Building.  Thoughts and prayers to the family.

LeAnn and family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Terry's passing.  I have many fond memories of working with him in EDJT.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.  
Teresa DeRoche

Leann, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family.  Terry was a great guy and an awesome help to me each year with our ROTC awards ceremony. I loved you two attended the ball last year.  I will deeply miss him.  Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Rose Baxter
MSU Army ROTC

My sincere condolences for Terry's family and friends.  He was a true friend to the Michigan Fire Service and will be sorely missed.  May God bless his family with peace and consolation at this time of great loss.

Mike Larabel, Past President, Michigan Fire Inspectors Society

OBITUARIO

Terry Fobbs

4 diciembre, 1952 – 22 octubre, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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