Terry Eugene Mays

Terry was born in Payne Gap Kentucky on December 20th 1945. He was born at home. Terry has 6 surviving siblings. Terry’s mother and father were in the church ministry and moved around quite a bit so Terry went to quite a few different schools growing up. He always made friends easily and loved school. He excelled in sports of all kinds and was very popular in school. He was very musically talented. He loved to play the drums and sing. When he was little he would beat on pots and pans until his mother would send him outside. He loved the outdoors and when he was a small boy he would stay outside all day and build tree forts and play like he was an explorer. He loved animals and when he was only about 13 he built a chicken house and had many chickens, rabbits, pigeons, dogs and a few squirrels. He had an avid curiosity about everything and was very positive in his life. He did not get down and depressed but was always in a good mood. When he graduated from high school he married very young to Judy Olmstead and they had three children. Bob, Scott, and Catherine. He worked for Southern Pacific Railroad as a switchman. In the early 1970’s Terry and Judy got a divorce and Terry started a rock band. He played music in a lot of different places and loved to jam with different bands. In the mid 1970’s Terry, a third degree black belt in Karate, opened a Karate school in Port Townsend Washington. He loved teaching karate and won many matches. His brother , Bob Mays, also was a black belt and they participated in karate matches together. Terry worked in Port Townsend as a boat builder while playing in different bands. In the mid 1980’s Terry’s sister moved to Maui and she told him about a job in Hana rebuilding the Hana Hotel. They needed a master craftsman that could work with teak. Terry got the job and moved to Hana. He loved Maui and spent the next 15 years off and on living on Maui working as a contractor and as a resort manager. His last position before he got sick was with Wavecrest Resort on Molokai. He was the resort manager and loved the island of Molokai. Terry left Maui in 2005 and traveled to various countries to see the world. He made many friends in China and went to China 4 times in the last few years. In 1997 Kendra Laidlaw-Mays was born to Terry and Anita Laidlaw. He totally loved and adored his daughter and was very close to her. She was his shining light.

January 13th Terry was diagnosed with liver cancer and was only given 2 weeks to 2 months to live. He was not prepared for the diagnosis and the whole family was in shock. He was very humble and did not complain. Once he accepted the diagnosis he was prepared to go to Heaven. He said that he wanted to go and be with Jesus and the other family members. He said that if God didn’t heal him now that must mean that God needs a good drummer in Heaven. Terry passed away January 30th, 2011 at 10:45 p.m. Heaven is now where he lives.

On Sunday February 13th there will be a Memorial Jam Session in Terry's honor by the musicians in Port Angeles. It will be at 5:00 p.m. at the Junction House.

A reception will be held at 11355 Johns Landing Rd. Carlton, Oregon after the graveside service look at pictures of Terry and share memories.

Contributions maybe made to Oregon Health Science University Liver Clinic in Terry's Memory or to the following,

The Snowman Foundation ( Young musicians program)

Jazz and Olympic Society - Youth Jazz Band

Port Angeles Washington High School Band Boosters

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.