Feb. 16, 1944-May 5, 2023
On May 5, 2023, our family lost the center of our world as Terry passed away peacefully with the love of his life, Sheila, by his side. In the months prior to his passing, many friends and family spent precious moments with Terry surrounding him with love and reminiscing about countless memories.
Terry was born on Feb. 16, 1944, in Long Beach, California to Geraldine Lampe and Gaylord Fossberg. His family moved around frequently when he was a child, chasing rodeo dreams and trading horses. Terry grew up with a sister (Nancy) and two brothers (David and Dee). His early life was not an easy one, but it shaped an incredible man with strong values and a tremendous work ethic that he imparted to generations to follow. The first members of the next generation were Wayne and James, two sons Terry was blessed with early in adulthood while living in Grants, New Mexico.
As a uranium miner, Terry’s work led him to various places across the Western United States. Ultimately, Terry would settle in Casper, Wyoming, where God’s path led him to a western ranch outfitter store. There he would meet a retail clerk, Sheila, a single mother working hard to raise four children on her own. So began more than forty years of embracing life’s challenges and enjoying a world of happiness together. While they may not have arrived at this station in life the easy way, eight children’s lives were blessed by having Terry and Sheila as parents. Another life that was enriched through Terry and Sheila’s partnership was Sheila’s baby sister Brenda, who always thought of Terry as a second Dad.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, his son James and Sheila’s parents Francis and Gene. He leaves many who will miss him terribly, including children Wayne (Bobby Jo), Todd (Linda), Jeff (Tali), Terry (Vicki), Lori (Jeff), Brent (Chrissy), Tammy (Josh), and Bonnie (wife of James); grandchildren Hunter, Logan, Murphy, Johnnie, Sidney, Madison, Emily, Becca, Brian, Sammie-Jo, Kirsten, Erika, Austin, Mariah, Trysta, Katie, Drew and Issabelle.
Terry loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting throughout much of his life. His passion through most of the last 30 years of his life was golf. If you ever played a round of golf with Terry, you had a new friend. Though there are too many to name individually, we know there are many threesomes that will miss their fourth when the time comes to tee it up. Terry’s family would like to provide a special thank you to the Green Spring Golf Course in St. George for always treating Terry with the utmost respect and appreciation.
Terry served in so many capacities in his life. He was a friend, a mentor, a partner and a provider. He was always generous with his time and money. If he saw a homeless person, he would not give them money. Instead, he would take them to the nearest restaurant and buy them a meal.
The most special role that Terry played in his life was Papa. He formed an exceptional bond with each of his grandchildren, loving each of them for their unique qualities. The world has a brighter future because of the role their Papa had in shaping each of these exceptional young men and women.
Terry and Sheila loved to travel with a specific fondness for taking cruises to many destinations. They also enjoyed hitting the Casinos on occasion. Though they didn’t always win in the end, they came out ahead. Beyond all else, their travel together was most often to spend it with the people they loved. It was always a highlight on the calendar to know Grammy and Papa were visiting.
Sheila took such great care of Terry throughout their lives but especially as he battled cancer. Her tireless devotion and unwavering support were such an inspiration to those who love both of them. We will miss Terry tremendously but also know how blessed we were to have him in our lives for more than 79 years and look forward to the day we are with him again.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, at the Red Mesa Fellowship at 95 S. 800 East in St. George. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the American Cancer Society.