In Memory

Terry Patrick Abraham

Scholar, beloved husband, father, and friend, Terry Patrick Abraham died suddenly Thursday, March 29, 2018, from acute coronary syndrome (spontaneous aortic dissection). He was 73.

He was born Oct. 6, 1944, in Portland, Ore., the second son of Frederick E. and Marion A. Abraham. A book and history lover from a young age, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1965, a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in 1968, and a Master of Library Science from the University of Oregon in 1970. That same year, he also earned a certificate in archival librarianship from UO.

Terry's 37-year career included stints at Washington State University, the California Historical Society, and finally the University of Idaho, wherein in 2005, he retired as a professor and head of special collections and archives after 21 years of service. He actively supported the national community of archivists and librarians, serving as a program officer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, a projects editor for the Society of American Archivists, and a member of the Idaho Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. He was a founding member and former officer of Northwest Archivists.

On April 24, 1992, Terry married Priscilla Wegars, historical archaeologist and founder of the UI's Asian American Comparative Collection. They were life partners in every sense, sharing similar educational backgrounds, personal and intellectual interests, a good sense of humor, and a grand sense of adventure. They truly were best friends.

Terry is survived by his wife, Priscilla Wegars, of Moscow; daughter Tina Fairfax and her husband, Daron, of Chilliwack, British Columbia; son Nils Mork, his wife Yang Kil, and their children, Terry and Amber, of Diamond Bar, Calif.; and a brother, Douglas, his wife Nina, niece Julia and nephew Douglas Alexander (Sasha) Abraham, from the Seattle area. His parents and older brother Richard preceded him in death.