Terry Wayne Tharp

Terry W. Tharp, known as simply “T” to some and as “Pa” to his grandchildren, died November 20, 2020. The too-early loss of this good and kind man will be felt deeply by many.

Born December 14, 1960, Terry was raised in Havre, Montana. As is true of many from that remote far north community, Terry was blessed with a warm heart—perhaps a requirement for dealing with the cold, cold winters. During his youth and early adulthood, Terry demonstrated an early and sustained commitment to service and honor which was reflected through involvement in Key Club and DeMolay International. In high school—when he wasn’t working at Bing-n-Bob’s, the local sporting shop—he also participated in choir and a bit of theatre. It was in high school that he met and fell in love with Catina Gribas who became Catina Tharp in 1982. As a couple, these two lived in Missoula, Montana, in Phoenix, Arizona, and in Las Vegas, Nevada—ultimately landing in Pocatello, Idaho, where their children and then grandchildren also settled. Work opportunities led them for a time to Philadelphia, and then an unexpected and much appreciated return to the Gem State. Loving the promise of life close to their children and grandchildren, Terry and Catina moved to Meridian, Idaho in 2014.

Terry was a conscientious employee and extremely hard worker. His 34 years with Farmers Insurance are testimony to his commitment and loyalty. In 2018, Terry took a chance at something new and accepted a job with Idaho Correctional Industries. Anyone who had the good fortune of listening to Terry talk about his work and its role in rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals knows that this was not just a job, it was a calling. No less a calling was his investment in his grandchildren who were the twinkling lights of his life. He had a unique and gentle way of playing with these precious little people—passing along his love for books by endlessly reading to them and listening to them read, patiently stacking objects together, eating and drinking “pretend” food and tea, and simply being quietly present to each of them. Terry also had a uniquely passionate appreciation of the corny, punny “dad joke.” Even those who groaned on occasion loved Terry’s humor, because they loved Terry—a man who was sincere, faithful, kind, jovial, and helpful to all who needed it. One connecting thread uniting all of this was Terry’s deep and abiding faith, and he lived that faith daily.

Survivors include his loving wife, Catina; his children, Tyler Tharp (Rochelle) and Carol Lynne Semons (Andrew); his four grandchildren, Jason Semons, Ralston Tharp, Hannah Lynne Semons, and Truman Tharp; his siblings Stephen Schultz, Robert Schultz (Becky), Karen Glover (Ron), Tim Tharp (Chrissie), and Charlotte Hafer (George); step-mother, Violet Tharp; aunt, Ardis Jamison; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends—all whom Terry considered family, and they likewise in return.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be delayed until arrangements can be made. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, these events, when they occur, will be streamed online to maintain safety for all.

A memorial fund to honor Terry and assist with unforeseen expenses has been established at Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU). The fund is listed under the name "Terry Tharp's Memorial Fund."

Terry (husband, father, “Pa,” relative, friend) is deeply missed and will always be remembered.

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