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Comments: Dear McElhatton Family: My prayers are with you during this time. When my Dad informed me of what happened I was sad to here this. I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is a loss for us as well. I am comforted to know that he is with the Lord. Terry would always greet me with a smile whenever we crossed paths in the hallway in the evenings after finishing our day, as he came from the high school area and I from the Junior High where I worked. I was impressed that he always portrayed a positive attitude. It was an honor to know him. We will miss him! Zane Daugherty
Comments: Our family was deeply saddened with the news of Terry. Coach Mac entered our life when our son Kegan played JV soccer for him. He was such a wonderful man & a great role model. We see so much of his qualities in Chris who Kegan always had tremendous respect for as a person and a teammate. Blessings, Michelle, Jeff, Kegan & Briana Garrison
Comments: I was friends with Terry in high school. He was in my class and Rusty was in my sister, Betsy's class. We all used to hang out together with Louis Benioff, Gregg and Wesley. We were the crew and had a lot of fun together. I remember one year during the Christmas Holidays riding around with Terry and part of the crew in Terry's Volkswagen Beetle. It was around midnight and we ended up at the Fairmont Hotel to ride up the outside elevators. It was a beautiful night and view was spectacular. We all were giddy and Terry had a big smile on his face - that beautiful smile. Then we all went to The Mark to the Vienna Coffee house for some pastries. It was a special night and I've never forgotten it. Terry was one of the sweetest, kindest gentlest people I've ever met. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. I am so saddened by his passing and seemingly, all too soon. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to the whole McElhatton family. Sending you Love and Light. Robin Graham
Comments: Dear McElhatton Family, When I think of Terry back in high school, I remember a sweet, kind, generous person. I have fond memories of riding around in his VW, and going up to his family's house in the mountains. We lost touch, but he was my friend and I am grateful for that. He will always be a shining light. Love, Betsy Graham Brown
Comments: There's so many things I could say about Mr. Mac. He was a role-model and an inspiration. He was a wonderful teacher and storyteller. He was passionate about his students and their lives. He made a huge impact all of us. For me one simple memory stands out among many. It was just me and Mac in room 218 working on a project. He offered to take me out to grab a bite to eat. We talked about life, and I could tell how much he genuinely cared about what was going on with me. It was so much fun just to hang out with him and know that that was exactly what he wanted to be doing and that it wasn't a burden or obligation he felt compelled to do. The way he was able to make so many people feel this way amazes me, and this is one of the many qualities Mac had that I want to try and emulate in my own life. Jeff
Comments: Hi Robin, Loren and Chris, I am so shocked to hear this. Our prayers are with you. If there is anything Mike and I can do for you let us know. Terry was a great man and father. Mike, Vicky and Sean Sullivan
Comments: Mr. Mac is the reason I'm going to school at San Francisco State University in the broadcast department. For me, he is that one special teacher who inspires you to do what you're going to do for the rest of your life. I've always wanted to thank him for giving my life the focus and passion for media that I now have, but I know that he knows my eternal gratitude to him for it. I will just have to wait a little longer to thank him to his face. Dear Mac, Thank you...
Comments: Dear McElhatton Family, Our prayers are with you through this difficult time. Your Dad touched many lives and his lite will continue to shine through you and how you will touch others in your faith. Matt & Cheryl
Comments: To Robin, Lauren and Chris, I was so shocked to hear about Terry' passing last week. Tiffany was in Terry's broadcasting class and always talked about "Mr. Mac" (Also my nick-name at times). I know Tiffany really enjoyed his class and would always tell me stories of how class went. Terry and I met while he was at KNTV and later when he became a free-lance TV producer we worked together on live news events. I won't soon forget the time we were at SFO on September 11th, (911) and the ensuing days after. Terry was on top of his game so to speak, He got the access when other networks couldn't, and this was typical of how Terry worked. One of the crew members was rather shaken up while trying to work as we all were but Terry took him aside, they disappeared for a while and when they returned I noticed the "BIG bear hug" that Terry gave him and I knew he was going to be ok. Always a great producer, a great teacher , an inspiration for all of us "Dads" to follow. As we still broadcast some of Valley's Football games for Comcast I always try to stop by and catch up with Terry... I'll miss that and you Terry! Gods speed! Dan Makinster
Comments: Dear McElhatton Family, My words are overwhelmed by the tears in my eyes. My heart aches for your loss and my prayers are not sufficient to fully express that bittersweet combination of sorrow and rejoicing for the kingdom of heaven has received a new son. It was my privilege to serve as Terry's instructor and adviser in the SJSU Instructional Technology Master's Degree Cohort program. I know the faculty in the IT Department express their condolences along with me. I learned from his example of dedication, diligence, and perseverance. Terry demonstrated the highest order of humility in his pursuit of excellence. His joy at learning was unsurpassed by any other student I have known. His desire to improve the teaching of his craft was inspiring. I learned from Terry as much as he may have learned from me. I treasured the idea of his upcoming role at the University...he had become a scholar and a friend. With a heaviness of heart, blurriness of eyes, and sincere longing to connect with Terry...I can identify with your loss. May the Lord of peace and comfort rest his arms around you, holding you close to him, which draws you even nearer to Terry. In Jesus' holy and precious name. Amen. With the great sympathy, Steven McGriff
Comments: Dear MacElhatton Family, It is with deepest sympathy for your loss, that I am sending you these words. I am a close friend of Shelley Cook, Russ's sister-in-law. Shelley recently told me of Terry's unfortunate passing while we walked together on Bayview Hill. Shelley spoke with such heartfelt admiration of Terry. Shelley knows of my close friendship with my brothers and she expressed how much Russ will surely miss his brother. It is abundantly clear that Terry made the world a better place for being part of it. I am also an avid windsurfer and educator, and it is sad to know that there will be one less citizen-educator-sailor planing across the multitude of Bay whitecaps during a mid afternoon white-knuckled broad reach. "Death is the price paid to have trees and clams and birds and grasshoppers, and death is the price to have human consciousness, to be aware of all that shimmering awareness, sublime joy, and all that love." - Ursula Goodenough With sincere condolences, Ken Baltz
Comments: As a fellow student at William Jessup University, I was fortunate to know Terry in our cohort ME & I.
We spent almost two years every week grinding through homework and those lovely take-home finals every 5th week.
We were blessed in our cohort to have a wonderful group of supportive individuals who knew what we were all going through going back to school and finishing our degrees.
We all use to come in really tired from a long day of work and be re-energized from just getting together during class time.
The prayer time and meal time was always special within our group.
Being a soccer coach as well, Terry and I we use to chat about his coaching soccer at VCH.
We also chatted about our kids and what they were doing in school and in life.
His personality was always upbeat and positive within our cohort and was always attentive to everyone within the group. He also had a great sense of humor and would come up with a good laugh at the right moment.
Though at times the Excel program seemed tough and looked like it would go on forever there was rejoicing when our cohort was able to graduate in May of 2005 and celebrate our success.
But I will never forgot the memories of all our fellow brothers and sisters in ME and I and the knowledge and strength spent studying God's word that forever changed all of us.
Though I am saddened at this loss, it is a comfort to know that our brother is with our Lord and Savior in heaven.
Many prayers and blessings to the entire McElhatton Family.
Psalm 68:4
Dan Ornelas WJU Class of 2005 ME and I
Comments: Being a busy first year teacher at Valley last year, it was difficult for me to meet all the other faculty. The chemistry classes I taught were on the first floor and I did not get out to the upper floors that often during school days. However, teachers would come down to the first floor when substitute teachers were needed. With just the couple times that I came across Mr. McElhatton when he substitute taught science classes, I always sensed he had a good friendly presence about him. We always greeted each other with a cordial smile and wave. I am sure everyone knows that his presence will be missed by all students, staff, and faculty. I have had a trip planned to Portland, Oregon for this weekend before this tragedy happened and I will not be able to attend Terry's memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with the McElhatton family and I am happy to have had the opportunity to be on the high school faculty with Mr. McElhatton. -Ferdinand Cadiente
Comments: Dear McElhatton Family, I am so very sorry to hear about Terry's passing. Though we went our separate ways and each finding our soul mates, I always remember him as a gentle spirit. He so loved his wife and family. A long time ago, a little girl asked me about my mom's passing. She said, " My Mommy tells me your Mommy died. Is that right?" I said, " Yes." She then said to me, "Does that mean that your Mommy is now living in God's house?" I said, "Yes." She then said, " That must mean that your Mommy is married to God." I know that Terry must be living in God's house, teaching, playing tennis, and watching over us all....We are all lucky to have known and had Terry as part of our lifes. You all are in my prayers and thoughts. Love Jolyne
Comments: Dear Robin, Lauren, and Chris, I am very sad to here what has happened to Mr. Mac. He was my teacher this past year. He was an amazing person. Im one of the students who got fourth place at SIDOCFEST, so i was able to spend tons of time with him. He always greeted everyone with a smile. Also he was a great teacher. Ive learned so much from him from technology and to life. My prayers are with you and hope that the Lord may comfort you in this time. sincerely, Josh
Comments: Dear McElhatton Family, Coach Mac was a blessing in our lives. He coached Matt on the JV Tennis Team during Matt's Freshman year at VCHS in the Spring of 2007. In this role, he provided incredible leadership and mentoring to each of the boys, as well as the parents. We were fortunate to have spent an enjoyable evening with him in early June at the year-end barbecue for the boys' tennis teams. He proudly talked about attending the recent SJSU graduation ceremony where he received his master's degree. He was so very excited about his new adventure to start up a new digital media program at SJSU this Fall. He talked about his family and what an incredible support they had been throughout his pursuit of the next chapter in his professional life. He talked lovingly about how proud he was of his children. He was such an incredible example of living life to the fullest. His zest for life was infectious. What a wonderful blessing for all those who were lucky enough to have shared a part of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Lisa, Tom and Matthew Muller [View Entry] [View Entry] [View Entry]
Comments: To Robin, Lauren and Christopher, I'm so shocked and broken hearted to hear about my "almost" Hispanic brother Terry leaving us. His kindness, his warmth and humor got me through days I would never like to revisit. He battled with giants to get the job done when our others sat doing nothing. Terry opened the doors to many people as their first boss, their teacher, their coach - for me he was my amigo! He will remain my friend forever as will your family. Adios mi amigo!
Comments: To the McElhatton Family, Grandma Jeanne, Uncle Ross, Auntie Chickie, Robin, Lauren and Chris
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. We are still in a state of shock and saddened by the sudden death of Uncle Terry.
My family and I had the pleasure of meeting Terry when he went to City College with my late husband Solomon Sisay in the 70’s. Terry and Solomon became very close friends when they took radio and broadcasting classes together. Terry, being the kindhearted human being he was, introduced us to his family who welcomed us in their home with open arms. We are from Sierra Leone, West Africa and at that time we had no family here in the States, we became the McElhatton’s second family. We were invited to all the holiday functions and we felt very comfortable in their home. We still to this day remember so many wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners we had and gifts we received from this wonderful family.
Terry, there is a void you have left in our lives which will never be filled by anyone. Your countless generosity, love, kindness and most of all the beautiful smile on your face whenever you saw us will not be forgotten. It’s not good bye Uncle Terry it is see you in heaven.
We love you and you will be greatly missed.
To the rest of the family, our prayers are with you.
Anne, Yeniva and Tiana Sisay
Comments: I went to high school with Terry. We all hung out and went to George Washington High School together. I flew in my first and last times in their private plane. I lost touch with him about fifteen years ago. In reading about how he came to the Lord I was so happy to hear about that and so sad to learn that he passed away. I too have found the Lord and I wish that I could have spoke to him about it. I do want to pray for his family and tell them that they are in my heart, God be with you all in this very difficult time. Sincerely, Deborah Gibson
Comments: I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the McElhatton family. I had the pleasure of meeting Terry McElhatton this year when he graciously gave our Tiger Cub Scout Den from Holy Family School a tour of the video facility as part of the Cub Scout "Go See" field trip program. The scouts and the parents alike had awonderful time with Mr. McElhatton, and he was very kind to the boys. I am saddened by his passing, and my prayers go out his family, and friends, and the Valley Christian Community. Sincerely, Annamarie Matthews-McKnight
Comments: I work with Terry several years at Valley and help him wire up his video projects. I enjoyed his friendship and was always impressed with his love for his students. He was one of the staff that wanted to have lunch with me before I left Valley. I missed working with him but know I will see him on the other side. I read the other day these words that express my feelings about Terry. Some people’s lives can truly make a difference. However long or short their lives on earth. They give gifts of kindness and of caring, they sow the seeds of friendship and self worth. Some people’s lives are beautiful examples of putting others first, and when they’re gone, the lives of those they touched are so much richer, and the love they shared lives on and on. Terry your love lives on and on in my life. Blessings Mark Sontag
Comments: To the McElhatton family, You have my most heartfelt sympathies. I have the double honor of working with both Terry & Dave - Terry at ZDTV and Dave at KPIX - and I can't begin to imagine how difficult this is for all of you. I remember Terry sitting in our teeny tiny newsroom at ZDTV where lots of us had no idea what we were about to embark on - and he was so calm, collected and thoughtful - an inner strength that most of us strive for. I hope you can find comfort in that fact that Terry touched so many lives in such a positive way. You will all be in my prayers. Theresa Keane-Lama [View Entry]
Comments: To Chris and Lauren, Your father is a man whom I greatly respect. He honored God with his life--a calling he attributes to you. I have only met your father twice, and his love and appreciation for you both was clearly his driving force. I pray God will bring healing to your hearts and that you will both continue his legacy. -Tim Watson, VCHS class of 88 [View Entry]
Comments: Having spent 42 years in Denver television, you meet a lot of people. Most of those people kinda just come and go. However, Terry M was one of those people that the memory lasts a life time. From the day he walked into KMGH-TV till the day he left, he was a true professional. He was a person that listened to the photographers, reporters, writers, and interns and was able make good decisions as to how a news story should be presented. He made a difference. I am glad that Terry moved on and became a teacher. His knowledge and talent of the news business has helped guide many young adults down a path that needs strong guidance. Even tho Terry was with us for a short time, let us give thanks that he was a part of our lives. God Bless. Steve (Thumper)
Comments: To the Family of Terry, I knew Terry when he was a very small boy. I used to babysit with him and Rusty when his Daddy was broadcasting Music 'til Dawn on the radio. I remember fondly all of the fun games we played and what a delightful, precocious, happy child he was. A very sad surprise to have lost him at such a young age. It was wonderful reading about him and what he has made of his life. How fortunate for everyone that he has children of his own to continue to continue his "goodness". May God Bless and comfort all of you. Please give my sincere condolences to his dear mother Jeanne and his father Dave. I have loving memories of them all.
Comments: Our prayers are with each of you. Mr. "Mac" touched our lives the year he coached our son, Jon Hughes, as a freshman on the JV Soccer team at Valley Christian. God is glorified by all the wonderful testimonies of his desire for the salvation message to effect our world. We rejoice with you at the great things he has done for Valley and for the cause of Christ. May God's peace and grace be sufficient in this difficult time of loss. God's blessings to you, Daryll & Debi Hughes, & Jon
Comments: Robin: I was very surprised and sad to hear about Terry. I worked with him at KNTV back in the 90's when Bosselmann, Patrick Leroux and Scott Arthur roamed the halls. My best wishes to you and your family. ted
Comments: I'm deeply saddened by Terry's death. I just received the news from my friends and former colleagues from the KNTV, Channel 11 era.... Terry,then news director, was the one who greated me at the station in 1992 as I had just arrived from France and offered me an internship. About a year later,Terry offered me a freelance position as week end news editor which later became a full time position, still under Terry's supervision. I will never forget that. He was simply a nice man. In my seven years working with him I can't remember Terry losing his temper one single time. He was always calm and treated all of us at the station with respect. This is a very, very sad day. Thank you Terry for all you've done for me. Today , my thoughts go to his wife and children.
Comments: Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. Altough we haven't spoken in many years you have been in my thoughts. I will never forget all the mornings we spent drinking coffee, exchanging recipes and watching the children play. Please know that I am here for you if ever need anything. My phone number is 248-624-2086. I hope you will use it any time of the day or night that you would like an ear. Love to you, Lauren and Chris.
Comments: It is still so hard to believe, that he returned to Lord's home suddenly, when he has so much things left to do. Mr. Mac. showed me what it is like to be Chirst-like man, and what can little things do to others, such as short encouragement, prayer, laugh, and so on. He was both my teacher, friend, and mentor. Whenever I come in to class, he asked me "How are you Peter" with his strong, thick voice, and even though it might seem nothing, it meant so much to me, all the little kindness. I remember when he first talked to me. I was freshman, just came from Korea, have no friends and barely spoke any English. I was sitting alone after school, and all the sudden he just walked up to me and start talking. Well, at that time, since my English was like 1st grader level, I only understood 5%of what he said, but it was such a great kindness he showed me, and it didn't matter whether I understand him or not.
Comments: Dear Lauren, From Andrew, Doug and Jeannette, our deepest sympathies to you and your Mom and brother. Andrew always held you in the highest regard and admired the special relationship you had with your Dad. I know you will miss him but you can know for sure that he modeled the love of God, your heavenly Father, as he parented you and for that you can be so grateful. Hugs from the Grundstrom Family
Comments: Dear Robin, Chris & Lauren We were so very saddened & shocked to hear of Terry's death. We have fond memories of vacationing with him, Robin, Chris & many of the McElhatton clan in Yosemite. As well as seeing Terry & his family in Castaic. Having lost loved ones suddenly & unexpectedly, Ron & I know your pain is so deep. We pray for God to give you strength & remember always, with happiness, having had such a wonderful person in your lives. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Love Trish, Ron, Bryce & Garrett Peebles
Comments: I was deeply saddened with news of Terry's passing. He was a true friend over the years, after we survived the craziness of one of the worst run television stations in the world together. He was a committed television journalist who went on from producing my newscasts to being a successful news director in California. Over the years, as the news business turned away from true journalism and more into what we call "flash and trash," Terry and I often communicated about how he could do a career change, as I did, to teaching. I was so excited about his Valley Christian appointment, and we discussed teaching methods and techniques to help students excel. Terry was truly one of the "good guys" I new in the television news business who always put truth, justice, and the public good above all else. I quoted him in my writing and media management textbooks, with his great insight in managing people and working with profit driven senior managers who did not share the traditional journalism ethic. In the high stress world of the newsroom he was always rock solid, measured with his response to crises, and a cooling influence always focused on doing good journalism to help the viewer better understand the world. Valley Christian has lost a great colleague, and many of us scattered across the country have lost a true friend who always cared and never put himself first. Terry touched many of us with his gentle nature, high standards, and deep commitment. The great English preacher and poet John Donne wrote in 1624 that, "No man is an island unto itself." We are all threads in the tapestry of each other's lives. He was a golden thread in my tapestry. God blessed me by having Terry McElhatton count me among his friends.
Comments: The McElhatton Family, We are so sad about the loss of Terry. He was a patient, kind teacher/coach to Brad and Katy. He was always supportive and helpful. We will miss his posivite attitude and smiling face. We pray for God's protection and peace for your family now and until you see him again. Love Kevin, Gay, Brad and Katy
Comments: It was with great sadness that we learned of Terry McElhatton’s untimely death this week. The Social Issues Documentary Film Contest (SI DocFest) Team extends its most sincere condolences to the McElhatton family and the Valley Christian community. Mr. McElhatton was one of the first educators to support and endorse the SI DocFest’s mission and goals. We were so impressed and honored by his enthusiasm and decision to incorporate the film contest into his video production class curriculum. In our first year, Valley Christian was the school with the most entries submitted to the SI DocFest because of Mr. McElhatton. It was for that reason that we honored him at our festival this past February with a special distinction. Though he was leaving Valley Christian for a position at San Jose State in the fall, he emailed us just a few weeks ago to vow his continuing support for the SI DocFest 2009 and offered to keep mentoring Valley students with their videos for the upcoming festival. Mr. McElhatton was one of our greatest ambassadors and, overall, a wonderful person that we feel blessed to have known. He truly embodied our slogan: he made a “reel” difference by encouraging his students to produce meaningful documentaries. Mr. McElhatton will be truly missed but his memory lives on in all the students whose lives he touched and whose passions he ignited. May God bless his family and friends in this difficult time. Sincerely, The SI DocFest TeamManuel, Mari, Monica and Loreli Alba
Comments: Russ, Karin, and the McElhattan family, No words can begin to touch the hurt and grief you feel. Just please know I am thinking about you all and hoping you can find that little spot in your heart where peace resides. Janelle Lester Anadarko, Oklahoma
Comments: Terry McElhatton was a teacher long before he left the newsroom for the classroom. He taught many of us simply by the way he lived his life and how he treated family, friends, co-workers and students. I am a wiser person for having known Terry McEhatton. He was a loyal friend and someone who truly made a difference in my life.
Roberto Munoz
Comments: I was so saddened to hear of Terry's passing. Terry hired me for my first job out of college at KNTV. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met and was so kind and sincere and always had an encouraging word or piece of advice - such an important thing for a young person just starting out in the TV news business. Robin, Christopher and Lauren - my prayers are with you.
Comments: Terry was my boss for four years at KNTV. He was a patient and kind man. I was pleased to read that he was going to become a professor at SJSU and so shocked and saddened by this news. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Comments: Dearest McElhatton Family, Mr. "Mac" was the highlight of my son Bill's freshman year. Bill dearly loved him as a teacher, mentor and friend. He was always so supportive and encouraging, and probably set Bill on the path of what will become his future career. Our family will be forever grateful that we had the opportunity to have Terry be such a "light" to our son. Everyone has that "one special teacher" that they remember for the rest of their life, and for Bill it will be Mr. Mac! Bless you in this time of loss, and know that Terry is now experiencing eternal peace and love with our Lord. With Love, The Hix Family
Comments: As many people have already posted, Terry gave me my first job in TV News. I was at a crossroads in my life and was deciding if the news business was for me. I was interning at KNTV and Terry pulled my aside and told me that I should stay in the news business. I had a passion for it and should not give it up. He then somehow found it in his budget to hire me as an assignment editor. He stayed in touch over the years and always offered up word of encouragement. He was a great man who will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayer are with his family and the Valley Christian family.
Comments: Dear Robin, Lauren, and Chris, All of us in the Isaacs family want you to know that we are praying for all of you in this great loss. We loved Terry and he touched all of our lives. I (Leighton) remember being a little intimidated when I first heard that "Dave McElhatton's son" would be teaching in my department at VCHS, but as soon as Terry walked in the door, I was blessed to see his genuine humility and ability to relate to basically everyone, no matter who they were or what their job description was. His enthusiasm for learning new things and his adventurous spirit was contagious. He truly reflected the heart of God in his dealings with people; from students to parents to his fellow educators. My daughter Katie has begun a precious friendship with Lauren in the past months, and her heart grieves along with her over this loss. Terry has given so much to so many in such a short time! Our God was glorified by Terry's childlike faith and trust in Him, and through his generous love for others. No one will ever be able to take his place in our hearts.
Comments: My deepest sympathies are extended to this wonderful family. I was blessed to coach Chris for a year in cross country. I was impressed by how truly proud Terry of was of his son and the genuine love and admiration that they shared for one another. Please know that you are in my prayers. May God's peace be with you. |
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