Hideki Bruce Terami

Bruce was born to Hiroo and Suejo Terami in June 1932, in Oakland, CA, while Hiroo was a graduate student at UC Berkeley. Bruce was raised primarily in Kyoto, Japan and graduated from Saikyou Daigaku (now known as Kyoto Prefectural University) with a degree in Agricultural Chemistry. After college, Bruce returned to the United States and joined the United States Army. He spent six years in the army and was stationed in Korea, Alabama, Indianapolis, and Germany. He spent the majority of his military career working as a photographer which was something he had been interested in since he was a teenager. Bruce was honorably discharged in May 1963, with a rank of Specialist (SP5).

After separating from the military, Bruce landed in Seattle, WA where his sister Muneko and brother-in-law Klaus were living at the time. Bruce met his future wife, Florence, through Muneko and was immediately smitten. Florence eventually succumbed to Bruce's charms and the couple married on May 5th, 1968. She later said he was the best person she could have married. Bruce and Florence lived in Magnolia and later settled in Lake Forest Park where they resided for over 50 years.

Bruce was a long-time employee in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center. His official title was Electronics Technician but he dabbled in a little of everything and had a knack for fixing things or finding creative solutions. Bruce enjoyed the camaraderie within the department and made many lifelong friends. He also worked as a sports photographer for the University of Washington Athletic Department. He was a fixture on the sidelines at Husky football and basketball games for several decades. After every game he worked late into the night developing the photographs in his at-home darkroom. He also enjoyed helping out several young photographers and all of those individuals became successful photographers in their own right. In 1998, the University of Washington Big W Club honored Bruce with the Don H. Palmer Award. The Don H. Palmer Award is the Big W Club's most prestigious award and recognizes those who have exemplified a special commitment to the University of Washington Athletic Program. Bruce received the award at the Husky Hall of Fame Banquet that year.

Daughter Jennifer arrived in 1972, and Bruce put his photography talents to use in documenting Jennifer's attempts at soccer, softball, swimming, and other pursuits. He rarely missed any of Jennifer's events. Bruce became the unofficial photographer and videographer of the Aqua Club Swim Team in the 1980s. He provided countless photos to swimmers and their families. He also produced the annual video of season highlights for the end-of-year banquet. Bruce was extremely generous with his time and talent when it came to photography and videography.

Bruce retired from the University of Washington on December 31, 1996. During retirement, Bruce discovered a talent for cooking and became the primary chef in the family. He loved to provide meals for others and would regularly drop off dishes to friends and neighbors. He always sent a signature dish home with Jennifer whenever she visited. He also started volunteering at the Nikkei Bunko Japanese Library at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington and recording concerts for the Lake Union Civic Orchestra. He stayed physically active with regular visits to the gym (he called it "pumping iron"). At the age of 88, he single-handedly replaced a second-story deck at their home.

Bruce and Florence also traveled extensively during retirement including trips to France, England, Germany, Hawaii, the Southwest, Japan, and a European cruise. Several of the trips were with their good friends, George and Irene Saito.

Bruce was one of the most frugal men you'll ever meet but also one of the most generous. The difference was whether it was for his benefit or for others. He'd go out of his way to save himself fifty cents on a carton of eggs but would then insist on picking up the tab at dinner no matter how much it cost.

In late August 2022, Bruce was hospitalized at Swedish First Hill Campus due to respiratory distress caused by rapid fluid buildup in his pleural cavity. Bruce was given about a week to live and placed on comfort measures. Dr. Austin-Getsfrid rotated onto Bruce's care team and had a different outlook of Bruce's prognosis. He explored other options for Bruce, advocated for Bruce, and obtained a second opinion regarding placement of a chest catheter which would allow for at-home drainage. Bruce was discharged from the hospital with the chest catheter in mid-September and quickly returned to his usual activities - dining out, cooking, grocery shopping, reading, and going to Costco (his favorite place). He also had the opportunity to visit with many friends and family members during that time. The family is forever grateful to Dr. Austin-Getsfrid and Dr. Gordon who gave us two additional priceless months with Bruce. Bruce made the most of it and enjoyed a high quality of life during those extra two months.

Bruce is survived by his wife Florence Terami, daughter Jennifer Terami (Mike), grandchildren Eliza and Eli, sister Muneko Spengler (Klaus), niece Hanako Wyles (David), nephew Michael Spengler (Jennifer), grand-nieces Anna, Kyra, Mae, Mila, Evie, grand-nephew Jonathan, and second "daughter" Heather Carpenter.

The family would like to thank all of those who made Bruce's life special, especially during these past two months. He could definitely feel the love. The family would also like to express great appreciation for Bruce's medical and hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington or a charitable organization of your choice.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be planned for a future date.