VIRGINIA LOSES A GREAT FRIEND

Terry Hebert was an extraordinary man, embodying the best of generosity, kindness, and honor. To have had the opportunity to have known him is to have been richer for it. Terry was the youngest of three children, born to Helen and Julius 'Vince' Hebert in 1947. Growing up with his sister Jean and brother Paul, he spent his childhood in the Westover Hills neighborhood of Richmond, enjoying the boyhood joys of the baseball field and Forest Hills Park. He worked part-time with Paul at his father's truck stop. Terry went to George Wythe High School, where he forged the strong bonds of friendship with friends that endure to this day. He excelled in both school and sports, playing football and throwing shotput and discus for Wythe. He continued to display his athleticism when he was a member of the Richmond Rugby Club, playing soccer, and rowing crew for RPI during his college years.

immerse himself in his interests: amateur radio and volunteering with the American Red Cross. Terry was able to incorporate his passion for communications, helping others, and emergency services by launching a new career at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. He looked forward to retiring to their home in Lewes, Delaware, and to continue his adventures traveling the world with Julie.

Terry met and married Brenda Shelburne and started a family of his own in 1971, and was a truly wonderful father for his son Travis and daughter Kendall. He was involved in every activity his children took fancy to, from little league coach to Chief of the Indian Guides & Princesses to Troop Leader of Boy Scouts. He stayed active in the church and community, and never failed to put his children first and do everything he could to be active in their lives. During this time he also fulfilled one of his dreams when he became the proud captain of his own sailboat.

To anyone who knew Terry, they would know how quickly at ease they felt around him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, in any country, and make a lasting friend in minutes. Whether it was friends, family, neighbors, or those in need, his generosity knew no bounds, and he was never happier than when he could help another person or when he got a laugh. He was a wonderful, nurturing, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, an unforgettable and unwavering friend, and an inspiration to those who were blessed to have known him.

On September 20, 2009, Virginia lost a wonderful man, a great amateur radio operator, and a good friend, Terry Hebert, KG4GLS, of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Center in Richmond. Terry was an asset to the amateur radio community in the Commonwealth and we shall miss him dearly. The following photos and narrative were copied from a booket that was passed out at the memorial service held for him on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

"Terry Hebert was an extraordinary man, embodying the best of generosity, kindness, and honor. To have had the opportunity to have known him is to have been richer for it. Terry was the youngest of three children, born to Helen and Julius ‘Vince’ Hebert in 1947. Growing up with his sister Jean and brother Paul, he spent his childhood in the Westover Hills neighborhood of Richmond, enjoying the boyhood joys of the baseball field and Forest Hills Park. He worked part-time with Paul at his father’s truck stop. Terry went to George Wythe High School, where he forged the strong bonds of friendship with friends that endure to this day. He excelled in both school and sports, playing football and throwing shotput and discus for Wythe. He continued to display his athleticism when he was a member of the Richmond Rugby Club, playing soccer, and rowing crew for RPI during his college years.

Love found Terry a second time when he married Julie Ritch in 1992. After working in the insurance industry for a number of years, Terry left the corporate maelstrom to found his own painting and restoration company, successful until he suffered an unexpected accident that forced him to withdraw from the venture. While recovering, he used this time to immerse himself in his interests: amateur radio and volunteering with the American Red Cross. Terry was able to incorporate his passion for communications, helping others, and emergency services by launching a new career at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. He looked forward to retiring to their home in Lewes, Delaware, and to continue his adventures traveling the world with Julie.

Terry’s qualities as a father were only exceeded by his qualities as a grandfather. He touched the lives of Cody and Zach Bruington in a way that words cannot justify. He opened his heart and home to CiCi and Daniel Shirey. All of his grandchildren will always love their ‘Poppy’ and cherish his memory.

Terry was involved in many aspects of amateur radio from ARES and RACES activities to his support of the Amateur Radio Communications Auxiliary (ARCA) at the State EOC, to other such projects as working with the Virginia Section of the ARRL in crafting the Memorandum of Understanding between VDEM and VA ARRL and many other items. Those of us that had the pleasure of working with him will sadly miss him.

Now that you have crossed the bar on your journey sailing through eternity we wish you "Fair Winds and Following Seas, Cap'n."