We remember fondly:

-A trip to the Salang pass one early spring:  we drove with Dan in his Russian jeep, along with Dr Keith Rose.  We stopped at the traffic jam at the avalanche tunnels.  From there we walked up into the snow banks and belly tobogganed down the steep snow mounds in the middle of the Afghan Salang pass mountains.  It was so cold, Dan wrapped a quilted blanket around his waist to keep warm.  Andy and Dr Keith piqued Dan’s brain for geopolitical insights on things Afghan the entire drive up into the mountains and back down again.

Dan’s Russian jeep: on a mid 90′s Toyota pick-up chassis he put the body of an old Russian jeep. But this thing was high class in every sense as its engine was from yet another vehicle, it had high clearance for 4 wheel drive activities in snow, mud, sand, etc, it had extra room for innocent bystanders who he just picked up along the side of the road whom would be going to the next village (but would have gotten a truly unique experience in the presence of this Godly man, in his cool Russian jeep), and it had plenty of room for all his gadgets, machines, and tools when he would trek into the hinterlands of A’stan. This machine was as indelible as the man behind the wheel.

-Dan’s excellent memory.  He could recall stories and personalities.   I was impressed with his eclectic interests and hobbies.  One time, when we were living with Dan and his wife, after practicing my flute, he was working in his office.  He was able to rattle off the names of the pieces and composers of the songs I had just played.

-Dan’s love for people.  He engaged people of all class, culture, and age.  He was a great conversationalist and could talk authoritatively and broadly on just about any topic.

-Dan’s ability to adapt to culture and language: It  inspired many others to engage the Afghans on various levels. His charm and warm heart toward all would melt away any inhibitions, suspicions, and hesitation on behalf of those whom were meeting him for the first time. Many Afghans, especially those to whom Dan was close, are quick to point out his abilities to be more of a bridge-builder in a third (Dari) and fourth (he was learning Pashto) language was surpassed only by his ability to make them laugh with his boisterous antics whilst telling stories!

–Dan was infatigueable: Skirting the mountain behind CURE Hospital hours ahead of folks half his age; the hills of Istalif; the peaks of Paghman; the numerous bike trips across the Hindu Kush (even into India and the Himalaya Mtns); sailing on Lake Qargha in his father’s boat giving rides to nervous, then joyous, blind Afghans; and all this on knees that were a little worse for the wear. Dan Terry would push through pain to live life to the fullest more than anyone we have ever had the privileged to live and work.

We miss you Dan, but eagerly await our reunion!

Andy and Patricia Malone