Terry Dodge Memorial

Terry Dodge, Jr.
November 15, 1968 - April 8, 2022

Terry Dodge attended Andrews University from 1987-1992 and graduated with a bachelors in Aviation. He returned to work at Andrews University from 1998 until this year, first at ITS as a computer support specialist and most recently as a flight instructor in the Department of Aviation. Terry died of cancer, and a memorial service was held for him at Stevensville SDA Church on Sunday, April 10. Below, we share some brief memories of Terry from some of his colleagues at Andrews.

Having Terry as a work colleague for more than 20 years, I knew him to be a person of integrity, compassion, loyalty, kindness and service.  First and foremost, he strove to live as Christ would have him live, even when that took him on difficult paths.  He was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family, enjoying opportunities to talk about them and always serious about his concern for their life directions.  He was always kind, compassionate and willing to serve wherever needed.  If someone needed assistance with a project, be it a roof, video for a wedding or a computer problem, Terry was always willing and ready to help, even though I don’t know how he found the time with how much he packed into his daily life.  When Terry made a promise, you knew he would keep it. Terry’s innovation and commitment to providing our church’s (Stevensville SDA) services online (at first single handedly) was an example of his vision and tenacity to complete something he took on.  While we feel the loss so intensely now, we can be certain that there is a “well done, good and faithful servant” greeting waiting for him on that great resurrection morning. So looking forward to that reunion.
Lorena Bidwell, Learning Systems Administrator, Center for Digital Learning and Instructional Technology, School of Distance Education (formerly ITS)

I met Terry winter camping near Lake Superior and observed his passion for videography.  Soon after he provided his time and talents to the creation of a DVD about my mother, which was shown at her surprise 80th birthday party. Over the years we shared many more adventures, the most memorable being a backcountry canoe trip filming a route believed to be a favorite of Sam Campbell’s through Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park. Terry was my prayer partner. He was a man of strong faith and conviction and we supported each other through good as well as challenging times.
Dave Village, Professor Emeritus, School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Terry attended the Stevensville SDA church and started bringing his personal video equipment to church and started recording the services and putting them up on Vimeo so that others that couldn't attend could watch.  Eventually the church decided to purchase video equipment
that we could use to livestream the services with.  Terry helped pick out and install this equipment and worked to teach us the art of videography.  The training continues as we try to continue his legacy of providing video services to others.

It was not unusual to find Terry borrowing cameras and video equipment and spending a whole day setting up to video someone's wedding "because they asked," even though they had no idea how much work was involved to make it happen. I had the privilege of working with Terry on a number of these events.  The ones in the church where all of the equipment was already there was much easier.

Terry had a great love for Sam Campbell, the naturalist and author.  He produced 2 DVD's featuring Sam Campbell, Land of the Voyagers, and Come to the North Country.  He was also involved in having Sam's 16mm tape collection converted to digital format.  He was friends with the current owner of Sam's forest island home and has visited it many times.
Daniel Bidwell, Formerly of ITS and Professor of Computer Science

Terry was a vital member of the Aviation Department long before he joined as a faculty. He received his pilot’s licenses when he attended the department as a student and aviation has been in his blood ever since. When he returned to Andrews to work for the IT department he was assigned to the airport and it seemed like he was out here at least twice a week. He was vital to keeping the department running smoothly. From finding lost files to accessing stubborn email servers to speaking with France late at night in order to keep our flight simulators running, Terry’s assistance was felt everywhere. When he decided it was time to leave the IT department, it was a logical decision to continue to put his skills to work at the airport. He put every bit of his energy into brushing up on his aviation knowledge so that he would be able to provide excellent instruction for the students. He was also a good friend. Always cheerful, ever willing to lend a hand, Terry was a genuine Christian. He will be sorely missed and ever remembered for his professional contributions and for the relationships he developed.
Jonathon Larson – Director of Maintenance, Department of Aviation

Terry was a man who brought passion and excitement to everything he did. He always carried a character of kindness, humility, and respect for others in a way rarely seen. He was definitely one who preferred to be behind the scenes, making things work, rather than in the limelight. Yet his enthusiasm for life was contagious. As a teacher, he was not afraid of working hard, and always strove to be the best resource he could possibly be for his students. He will be sorely missed.
David Macomber – Chief Flight Instructor

He was a problem solver. Anytime somebody came to him with a computer problem it would just magically go away. He had a heart for supporting others.
Darryl Penney – Assistant Chief Flight Instructor and Assistant Professor