Terry Lee Harbour

Born on May 16, 1945, to Kenneth and Ethel Harbour at Seaside Hospital in Long Beach, California. Terry was raised in Long Beach and attended Birchum Elementary School, Marshall Junior High School, and Lakewood High School, graduating in 1963. Terry continued his education at Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a degree in Accounting.

From November 4, 1965, to November 3, 1971, Terry served in the Marine Corp Reserve, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Terry’s 34-year career with the Long Beach Fire Department began on October 16, 1970, and carried him through every rank, from firefighter-in-training to Fire Chief. He started at Station 19, attended drill school in 1971, and was selected for the department’s second paramedic class in 1973, serving as a paramedic at Station 11.

He was promoted through the ranks of Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief, earning a reputation for leadership, teamwork, and deep pride in the craft of the job. In 1987, he was honored as Employee of the Year. From 1992 to 1994, he also served as Director of Fire Training, reflecting his commitment to mentoring future firefighters.

In 2002 Terry became Fire Chief of the Long Beach Fire Department, a role he held until his retirement in June 2004.

In 1970, Terry’s childhood friend, Rusty Robertson, invited him to a series of volleyball games hosted by the Young Adult group at First Baptist Church of Lakewood. It was there that Terry met Gail Vipperman, a kindergarten teacher. After getting to know one another at the games, Gail asked Terry out, and the rest was history. They were married on September 18, 1971, and shared 54 years of marriage.

Terry and Gail raised two daughters, Nicole and Ann-Marie. Terry was a master woodworker who loved a good project and took pride in building things meant to last. He served as a Deacon, while attending Grace Bible Church, and his favorite ministry projects involved helping widows and single mothers with home improvement work. Terry also took on countless projects for neighbors—if you asked for help, Terry was there.

In 2009, Terry and Gail retired to California’s Central Coast, where Terry continued his woodworking projects. The couple also traveled extensively throughout the country in their RV. In his later years, Terry joined the Central Coast Leathernecks, a Marine Honor Guard unit, and participated in funeral services throughout San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, honoring veterans with dignity and respect.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; daughters Nicole and Ann-Marie; son-in-law Adrian Ramos, sister-in-law Lee Clark; sister- and brother-in-law Pam and Brad DuFault; numerous nieces and nephews; and all those whose lives he touched.