Obituary of Terry Brethen

Husband and father, dog-lover and engineer, Terry Brethen died of cancer at 8:57pm on Monday, August 7, 2023. He passed away peacefully after having fought a good fight. We celebrate the life of Terry Brethen, pack-leader, “the Doctor is in”, Dad. Terry Brethen, eldest of 7 siblings, was raised in and around Watertown, NY. He grew up in a time when family values were king, and baseball was THE sport. His siblings would all agree he took too much time in the bathroom and his hair was “perfect”. There was love enough to knit everyone together and never any leftovers after supper. Terry grew out of the little town of Lafargeville, forging a family and an outsized career that took him to distant shores. Terry died lie he lived, making peace after a good fight, and if he was here telling the story, it would surely be a whopper. Known for his storytelling, he gifted his listeners with tales we all wanted to believe and couldn’t soon forget. His stories elevated humdrum memories to epic nostalgia. He revealed treasures in the telling that dwarfed everyday reality. He could transform coworkers into real-life legends, and family anecdotes into timely mythology. He was a world of finding the good and holding it up for others to marvel at. He played baseball like a character straight out of the Sandlot; a purist playing the game at his best. Every contest was for the “Champeenship o’ da World” and winning was always second to the story of doing your best. With no formal degree, Dad summited his craft of Process Engineering. In a 32 year Kodak career, he was widely recognized as the best at what he did. He was asked for by name to troubleshoot the impossible. His accomplishments elicited phrases from his admirers such as, “The Doctor is in” and “failure is not an option”. His skills took him to Brazil and France, England and Australia, Mexico and China and more. And with a 100% success rate on projects it is no wonder. Three of his greatest accomplishments are named Brian, Patrick and Darby. We three agree a most lasting lesson from Dad was that wherever we go, we all strive to leave it better than when we found it. We all know how much Dad loved us. What joy for the three of us to be with him in his final days. We all know how much Dad loved his dogs, and Dad had some pretty special dogs. For all of this, one of our greatest joys for Dad has been to see him find a peaceful love in the woman who gave him everything she has to give, his bride, Lisa Brethen. We are convinced she was fearfully and wonderfully made just for Dad. There is no doubt Lisa will carry Terry Brethen wherever she goes, sharing his wonderful tory with anyone who will listen. Terry is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, his three children Brian, Patrick and Darby, 8 grandkids and 5 great-grands, his three-pack of dogs, Freyda, Gunner and Daisy, his best friends Celso & Flavia Camocardi and their son Bruno who made a second home with Dad and Lisa, and the five people who have known him the longest… his “much younger” brother Eric and all four of his sisters, it’s OK I need to call Abi’s Sandy, Georgie, Peggy and Kathy. There will be no services at this time, a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Terry’s name may be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron St. Bath, NY 14810. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.