Obituary

Terry Edward Lehan was born in Walla Walla, WA on August 9, 1947 to Gerald Lehan and Naomi Babb. He had one sibling… his twin brother Gerald (Jerry). Terry attended grade school in College Place, WA, moved to Boise, ID briefly where he attended junior high school, and then located back to Walla Walla, WA where he attended Walla Walla High School. While in high school he met the girl of his dreams, Sandra (Sandi) Colombo. Shortly after graduating in June 1966, he marries that girl of his dreams on October 8, 1966. They went on to have two daughters; Michelle and Traci. Terry and Sandi then briefly moved to Boise, ID where Terry attended classes at the local college. A short time later, they returned to their home town of Walla Walla where they raised their family and work throughout the community. For years, Terry was a part of a local softball team that at times would play against teams such as inmates of the Walla Walla state penitentiary. Terry worked as a welder at Walla Walla Canning Co. and Continental Cannery. He then went on to become an electrician, journeyman electrician, and then an electrician supervisor. While working for a local electrical company he was injured. This injury led to him retiring in 2004. Terry used his years in retirement to give back to his community by volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul’s. He also was a member of the Walla Walla Corvette Club and helped collect and deliver toys for tots as part of his time with RIDER’S of Walla Walla. He loved his cars, trucks, and Harley Davidson motorcycles which he owned countless of throughout the years. Terry was also fond of model trains and extremely talented in creating useful gifts for his home and those he loved.

Over the years, he played pool with friends and finally joined a league when they moved to Arizona in 2012. In Arizona, Terry and Sandi became really involved in their community. They attended countless gala’s, volunteered their time, and gave themselves fully to the organizations that meant so much to them. They found a church to attend and gained an amazing extended family there. Terry also loved taking his side-by-side up to the mountains to seek adventure and peace with Sandi and his friends. He was a voracious reader and an avid storyteller. Terry could remember things most would forget. With his knowledge, he became the life of a gathering, bringing people together with history, current events and ancestral knowledge.

In 2016, Terry was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) and was given 3-5 years of life. He never once complained about being dealt such a difficult hand and instead was determined to outlive his diagnosis. Terry rose up, stood tall, and faced his disease head on. He was determined to help find a cure for those who would be diagnosed after him. Terry and Sandi became part of the amazing ALS community in the Phoenix area and dove deep into attending and supporting the ALS Association events such as “Bite Night” and the annual Walk to Defeat ALS. He worked closely with his physician; the amazing Dr. Ladha, and selflessly gave himself to several research trials, in hopes that he could help find a cure. It became his life mission. Four years after his diagnoses, the disease continued to progress slowly only requiring the assistance of leg braces to get around. He was out playing pool at least twice a week and would enter an occasional tournament. Terry was a fantastic pool player and many looked to him for game advice. The people of his pool league were very important to him and became like family.

Terry was a loving, kind, generous, and very charming. He loved fiercely and lived without regret. Terry would tell you how it was and wouldn’t care what anyone had to say about it. He was a force, a huge presence, and was beyond loyal. Terry would give you everything he had and then some. He was happy, living life to the fullest and had a hug for everyone who knew him. Terry was a survivor, a champion, and a warrior. Even with ALS he refused to let it hold him down. He remained positive and upbeat and was always eager to soak up the sun and conquer the day.

Sadly, Terry contracted COVID-19 and on July 6, 2020 passed away. His loving and adoring wife of 53 years was by his side, holding his hand. He was brave and courageous in his fight but unfortunately was weakened by his ALS.

Terry is preceded in death by his mom – Naomi, dad – Gerald, brother – Gerald II, and grandma – Clara. He is survived by his loving wife – Sandi, daughters – Michelle (Jerry) Hamada and Traci (Chris) Fisher, and his grandchildren – Colton Hamada, Torie Fisher, and Seth Fisher.

We will celebrate Terry’s beautiful life in both Walla Walla, WA and Avondale, AZ at a time to be determined later.

Though his journey may be over, his story has yet to be finished.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the: Terry E. Lehan Research for a Cure Fund though the ALS association, Community of Hope at http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/PersonalFund/NationalOffice?px=7720650&pg=personal&fr_id=10054#.XxoEkShKiUk