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Terry Forrette Obituary

Terry Lee Forrette passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with ALS. Born in Kokomo, IN to Lester Forrette and Sylvia Holt, Terry grew up in Madison, WI and later moved to the New Orleans area where he resided for over 50 years. Terry is survived by his wife Linda; his children, Jamie (Brant) Burns, Phillip Forrette, Adam (Frances) Forrette, and Brent Shaw; and grandchildren, Jayden, Brady, Baker George, Christian, Bailey, and James. Terry will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful, lifelong friends. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Bruce, John, Jerry, Jeannie, Joann, Beth, and Curt. Terry dedicated his professional life to education in the field of respiratory therapy. He taught numerous therapists and physicians at LSU Medical School in New Orleans, authored textbooks, and through his work at Medical Specialties he made an impact in the medical community across the country. Outside of work, Terry enjoyed festivals, live music, motorcycles, exercise, Saints football, and all things New Orleans. Following Hurricane Katrina, he partnered with Americas Wetlands and set off on a motorcycle trip around the border of the continental United States to raise awareness on the importance of the wetlands in the coastal regions. He authored a book, Riding the Rim, to document his trip and the many encounters he had along the way. Terry never met a stranger, and he could start a conversation with anyone at any time. He would not be found without a pen on his shirt, change in his pocket, and his watch set 5 minutes ahead of time so he was never late. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at Beau Chene Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chene Dr, Mandeville, LA on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 12:00PM. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial contributions in memory of Terry Forrette to TeamGleason (www.teamgleason.org) to further ALS research, advocacy, and support.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 9 to Dec. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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vincent guttuso

February 26, 2024

I will miss him! Good man!

Peggy Brauner Lacourrege

January 5, 2024

My memories of Terry are all about him being the consummate teacher and friend. I graduated with the LSU Cardiopulmonary Class of 1985. His calm demeanor and knowledge were a great asset to our clinical rotations at Tulane, Charity and VA. I immediately think back to his lectures on hemodynamics and that my understanding of it was all due to Terry's to the way he taught it. He had a way of making things all click and connect. We could not have had a better pair of teacher/friends than what we had with the Fourette and Cairo team!

Catherine Jimenez

December 13, 2023

Terry was my instructor at LSU. He was so gifted and intelligent. His lectures were informative with occasional bouts of humor and witty sarcasm. May St. Port-O-Let be always at your side Terry!

Barry A. Brown,RRT-MPA

December 11, 2023

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

Stephanie Felps

December 10, 2023

He had a true passion for Respiratory Care! He was kind, funny, and made a huge difference in the respiratory care was perceived! His smile and laughter we contagious. He will be missed. Rest in peace Terry!

Jo Ann Francois

December 10, 2023

I am sadden to hear this news. I know he was having illness but to know he is gone is heartbreaking. He will be missed by many. Jo Ann Francois

Donna Wascom Graves

December 9, 2023

Terry was truly an inspiration to all. He truly cared for his students and the profession of respiratory care. I was blessed to call him my teacher, mentor, and friend.

Kim Simmond

December 9, 2023

Terry was a wonderful mentor to me as my respiratory therapy career progressed. What a loss for the future respiratory students.

Eddie Doyle

December 9, 2023

Terry was my mentor in school, as he was for so many. He was a true educator in every sense of the word. We shared a love of medicine & motorcycles. The world is poorer for his loss.

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Memorial Events
for Terry Forrette

Jan

7

Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m.

Beau Chene Country Club

602 N. Beau Chene Dr, Mandeville, LA

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