Terry Walter Hornych's Obituary
Terry Walter Hornych was born at Willamette Falls Hospital in Oregon City, OR on May 13, 1963 just missing being a Mother's Day gift. He was the third of six children born to Lois and Wally Hornych of Gladstone, OR. Terry was the wild child of the bunch, our Taz - energetic, inquisitive and fearless. He was also caring and eager to please. There was never a dull moment with Terry around. All of Gladstone was his playground.In 1977, just before Terry's 14th birthday, he and a group of friends were on their way to school when Terry was hit by a car. He was in a coma for 8 weeks. In typical Terry fashion, the first sign that he was "awake" was when he laughed about the "kick me" sign on someone's back in a TV show! Terry suffered a severe head trauma that left him in a cerebral palsy-like condition. While this slowed him down it didn't dim his mischievous sense of humor. Terry had a special affinity for animals and children. All of the family's dog and cats were drawn to him and lavished him with kisses and tail wags. He deeply loved his 7 nieces and 6 nephews. They loved to ride on his wheelchair and he spent many hours watching cartoons and movies with them - and of course, encouraging them to explore their mischievous sides!Terry's family was fortunate to be able to care for him at home until 2002. Even then he lived in a care facility just two blocks from home. During his stay at there, he became quite the social butterfly participating in all of the activities, visiting with other residents and charming the staff. He never missed a game of bingo and frequently won. He watched his favorite Star Wars movies with fellow residents. And the charmed staff kept his coffee cup full.In 2004, Terry moved to group foster care. Terry charmed his way into the hearts of many caregivers along the way and his coffee cup continued to be full. He still spent time watching movies and listening to rock-n-roll, even attending some concerts, but his favorite pastimes were playing poker or video poker. In January 2011, Terry moved into a new foster care home with the Mebrat family from Ethiopia. Then Terry added spicy Ethiopian foods to his loves. He lived with the Mebrat family in Milwaukie, OR until his passing on Christmas Eve 2012.Family was very important to Terry. He especially loved family barbeques and holiday gatherings. Terry was predeceased by his father Wally in March 1999, his brother Shawn on Christmas Eve 2000 and his mother Lois in November 2004. He is survived by his sisters Julie Short and Michele Stevens and his brothers Kevin and Jeff Hornych and his siblings' families which include spouses, 7 nieces and 6 nephews and their spouses and children.Terry's family invites you to share your favorite "Terry story" during a celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud, Cochran & Waud Sunset Chapel, 715 7th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?