TERRY O'CONNOR

I JUST heard about Terry's passing today (July 6). I am shocked. My condolences go out to his entire family. I am SO sorry.

Wow - there are so many words and yet none of them seem to fit together here. Both you, Ms. Watson, and Mr. O'Connor made a huge impact on this skinny redhead at Garfield HS. Terry gave me the gift of golf which I still enjoy today and I'm constantly thinking back to his lessons and his sense of humor (which seemed to match mine so well). And you gave me the love for words and the confidence to trust in myself and the process of learning. You are both very close to me even after all these...

Dear Janice.

I can't tell you how saddened I was to hear of your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
In this time of mourning, I pray that you will be comforted by the Holy Spirit who will wrap you in His loving arms and remind you how loved, you and Terry are by so many and that this will bring you peace.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything that I can do to support you.

With love,

Yvonne Burke

PS-I still...

Janice,
There really are no words to express how sad I felt hearing this news. I can see you being so gracious during this time ~ saying "I'm fine" Well, you may not want to or think to ask me of anything, but I hope and pray you will if you need anything. I think I can make you laugh(smile). Yeah, they say life goes on, but it will never be the same. Maybe my silliness could help ~ smile. I love you to bits. You are one of my favorite people on this planet. So again, I hope if you need...

Dear Janice-So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Terry. You were always my favorite Administrator in the FP District. I am sure he was a wonderful teacher. You are in my prayers. Kathleen O'Connor

I had Mr. O'Connor for freshman English, his last year at Garfield. I was a 14-year-old with lofty Writerly Ambitions, and I remember grousing at length and out loud whenever we were assigned a more conventional worksheet or quiz. I am sure I was insufferable...but at some point, Mr. O'Connor told me simply, "Kim, sometimes you just have to fill in the blanks!" He later alluded to this in my yearbook. Decades later, I understand what great advice this actually was; sometimes adult life and...

Dear Janice,
May your memories bring you comfort as you walk through your loss. Each tear honors your love and relationship. My heartfelt sympathies to you Janice.
Take good care!
Diane Uphoff

I was very sad to see the announcement of Terry O'Connor's death. Mr. O'Connor taught me the basics of grammar and sentence writing my freshman year with patience, humor and style. Ms. Watson picked up where he left off my sophomore year and taught me how to write. Mr. O'Connor finished the process my senior year and contributed further to my development as a writer. While technically not team teachers, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Watson combined to teach three of the four years of my English...

Dear Ms. Watson - I was not a student of Mr. O'Connor's at GHS - I was a student of yours and I remember you well. From what I remember he had a huge heart and was very caring and considerate to more than just "his" students. I suspect that everyone who roamed that campus was affected by the many gifts he bestowed upon us all. His Patience, humor, and passion for his craft and students will never be surpassed.

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and...