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Terry N. Edwards ’81

Terry Edwards of Otisfield, Maine passed away on April 9, 2022 at the age of 64. He was born on October 28, 1957 in Lewiston Maine, son of Catherine (Edwards) Everett and Kenneth Edwards.

Terry moved from Auburn to Norway as a young child where he lived until 1977. He was active in the local baseball program and service organizations growing up in Norway. Terry attended the local Norway/South Paris schools including Oxford Hills High School where he graduated in 1976. There he was a member of several school organizations including serving as Key Club President. Sports was a key element of Terry’s developmental years. He participated in baseball, track, and football. His performance on the football field was a highlight of his high school experience. It was during these years mentors Bob Fallon, Okie O’Connor, and Ken Loper charted the course for much of Terry’s lifelong journey. He continued his education at Bridgton Academy with the Class of 1977, and later Maine Maritime Academy, where football remained his passion. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at MMA in 1981.

Terry applied his degree in Marine Engineering working in the private sector aboard multiple tug and barge units. Terry started his career on the Ohio River. The bulk of his shipping experience as Chief Engineer was in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Mississippi River. His ports of call were also on the St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, the Caribbean Islands as well as various ports along the Atlantic coast. Terry retired in 2013 after 32 years in the maritime industry.

Anyone that knew Terry understood his devotion to his wife and family. Terry married Vicky (Ward) Edwards in 1981 after dating throughout high school and college. The bond between them as best friends and soulmates was unmistakable. Even though they spent 49 years together, their time as a couple seemed too short for both of them.

Terry had two sons, Jesse and Nathan, with Vicky. He embraced fatherhood. Terry was never more in his element than when teaching his sons the most important life lessons. Terry’s role as a grandfather also brought him great pride in his final years. Hearing his name, “ Papa”, spoken by his only grandchild, Teddy, was a source of joy every time. Big T and Little T had already bonded over trucks and tractors during their brief time together.

Stories about Terry shared by family, friends, and workmates have common threads. All include his sense of humor, his love of banter, particularly with best friend Joey B. Smith, and his ability to pull people into conversation. Terry simply made others feel like they belonged and his infectious personality was undeniable to all he befriended.

Terry is survived by his wife Victoria Edwards, son Jesse Edwards and wife KC, son Nathaniel Edwards, grandson Teddy Edwards, brothers Stanley Edwards and wife Virginia, (Jerry) Peter Edwards and wife Jane, sister Roberta McColl and husband Kevin, brothers-in-law Donald St. Germain, Ronald Ward and wife Barbara, Matthew Ward and wife Heather, and sister-in-law Anne Ward. Terry is survived by many nieces, nephews, and much loved bulldog Lucy.

Terry was predeceased by his mother Catherine Everett, father Kenneth Edwards, brother Richard Edwards, sister Judith St. Germain, father-in-law Neil Ward, parents-in-law Charlotte and Gerald Brien, as well as loved ones Eric Spengler and Jeanne Flynn.

 

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