On 6/10/11, Terry quietly and peacefully left this world, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born August 20, 1945 to Marvin and Alberta Burton, and had many fond memories of growing up in Moscow. His father, Marvin, owned and operated the Moscow Steam Laundry and was an active volunteer fire fighter and a member of the Elk’s Lodge. Terry grew up helping with the family business, eventually taking it over when his father retired. Like his father, he truly enjoyed being involved in business, often fondly recalling his first experience, managing 3 B’s Coin Laundry, which earned enough money to buy his first rental property. At age 22, he took a trip to Europe where he met his future wife, Mary Sprute, whom he was married to for 28 years. Terry and Mary began a life and family together in Moscow, with their four children. They were active in St. Mary’s parish and Terry had a great love and commitment to his community, where he held a seat on the city council. In 1980, Terry bought a cabin on Twin Lakes, where he enjoyed taking his family for summers and vacations. Terry loved being near the water and treasured the summer months out on Twin Lakes, where he had much satisfaction in being able to provide his children access to summer and winter sports. Terry worked hard in order to provide a fun life for his family, always up for an adventure and firmly believing the old adage that you needed “to stop and smell the roses.” In 1983, the Moscow Steam Laundry expanded into Total Textiles and was moved to Spokane, along with his family. Terry enjoyed family life so much, that after moving to Spokane, he and Mary added two more children to the family for a total of six children. In 1989, Terry left the laundry business and purchased All 48 Freight Lines, which he and Mary operated for the next several years. After the closure of All 48 Freight Lines, Terry pursued his real estate license. As his passion for real estate grew, he expanded into property development, acquiring dilapidated properties that he was proud to restore with the help of his son Matthew, providing housing to low income families in the Spokane area.
Terry was always very selfless in his devotion to his family. No matter what the occasion, he always showed up for any celebrations or events concerning his children or grandchildren. Terry loved traveling, the outdoors, had quite a “green thumb” and loved animals. He was an avid lover of birds, always feeding any wild or stray birds he could find. Terry also had a passion for politics. He was a season ticket holder for Spokane Children’s theatre, taking his grandchildren to plays for the past six years. He was generous and an unfailing optimist, always seeing and believing in the best in people. He also took great delight in his relationship with his girlfriend, Jeanette Walker, whom describes Terry as “the perfect gentleman”.
Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Alberta Burton and brother Rodney Burton. Terry is survived by his six children; Ann Ealy (Greg) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Matthew of Spokane, Adam (Amy) of Spokane, Allison of Post Falls, Michaela (James) of Spokane, Elise of Spokane. He also leaves behind six grandchildren; Katy, Ryan, Noah, Maya, Wren and Jamie.
Terry’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of Deaconess Hospital. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Jones and Dr. J. Patel. A memorial service will be held for Terry at Q'emiln Park in Post Falls at 2pm on Sunday July 10.
