Obituary
Terry Lee Mountain, 62, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 12, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Terry was born on April 26, 1960 in Kansas City, MO to Josephine M. Mountain and Jack L. Mountain, with whom he shared a birthday. Both of these facts gave Terry great pride; to celebrate his birthday with his dad as well as being born in the 60s vs. the 50s like the majority of his ‘older’ friends.
Soon after graduating from Lee’s Summit High School in 1978, Terry embarked on his career in construction and carpentry. In his early 30’s he joined the Carpenters Union 1329 which later merged into 1127. Terry played an important role in numerous projects in the metro including the North Kansas City Hospital, Ameristar Casino, the Sprint Campus, Children’s Mercy Park, and multiple movie theaters, just to name a few. His talents even took him out of state to California for work on a large government project, of which the details he proudly took to his grave. He retired on 6/30/2017 while maintaining the deep friendships of numerous coworkers and fellow union members that he established over the years, who lovingly referred to him as “T Rock.”
He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his can-do attitude, his patriotism and allegiance to American-made vehicles, his quick wit, and loyalty to his family. He lived hard and loved hard and walked through life on his own terms. He was rarely seen without a hat, sunglasses, and blue folding chair he carried in the back of his Silverado with his tools. T Rock is a person of whose legacy will forever be remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know and interact with him.
Terry is survived by his only son, Trevor Lee, of whom words cannot describe how much Terry loved and cherished. Trevor was Terry’s pride and joy, and he reveled in watching him succeed in his athletic endeavors. Terry was a lover of all animals, especially black labs, and was preceded in death by Sally, while survived by Rocky.
Additionally, Terry is survived by his mother Josephine, his sister Debbie and her husband Charlie, and his older brother Jack and his wife Donna.
Visitation services will be held at Langsford Funeral Home in downtown, Lee’s Summit on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 10:00am. The funeral and burial will immediately follow. Terry loved both animals and kids alike; in lieu of flowers, please donate to a corresponding charity of your choice in his honor.
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Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
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Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
I worked with T rock on several projects around Kansas City. He was always smiling and making people laugh. Gonna miss my friend. Prayers to his family.
What can I say about my friend T rock. He was as loyal as the day is long. We spent some of the hottest and coldest days in the most miserable locations a man could work. It was always easier with Terry. Nose to the grindstone and get the task done. He was right when he said we left it all on the field every day. A harder worker you couldn’t find. He was one of my best friends and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers for Trevor and the rest of the family.
To say I will miss T-Rock is an understatement. Terry and I have spent many hours together doing what we always called building America. He was my partner in crime for many years not only for Midwest Drywall but CSG. I can truly say I never got bored at work with him around. He not only was an awesome carpenter but more so an awesome Dad to Trevor. Mr. Mountain, until we meet again my friend, do what we always said to each other, save one for the sequel.
Jo my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you know your friends are here for you and thinking of you through this sad time.
I met Terry once or twice about 4 years ago through his son. I am so sorry Trevor, i seen the love you had for your Dad and know you were the best son anyone could ever ask for. Sending heartfelt prayers to you and your family including Rocky.
I wrote this to share during his service, but I couldn’t bring myself to stand. I hope by sharing it here, we can all find a little comfort.
To my Uncle T,
Introduction: hi, for those of you who don’t know me I am Terry’s niece, Christina. His older brother Jack is my dad.
On behalf of our family, we want to thank you all for coming. it’s wonderful to see everyone together to remember and celebrate the life of Terry. I’m sure he is thrilled to see all of his favorite people in the same room,
although I’m not sure how he feels about all the attention being on him.
My favorite memories include him cheering us kids on from the sidelines – usually from the outfield fence. He loved his nieces and nephews fiercely, and was always ready to offer feedback on our athletic skills. If he was ever quiet – you knew you really messed up. He was rarely lost for words. To avoid embarrassing us, he would never jump in and “show us how it’s done”. Just offer “constructive criticism” before, during, and after our games. It didn’t matter if it was a national ball tournament, or a home run derby in the backyard. He always had a folding chair, his hat and glasses, and a big styrofoam cup.
He loved his great nieces and nephews even more, and was constantly spoiling them. I find comfort in knowing my son has a guardian Angel, ready to guide him and cheer him on as he goes through life.
There was nothing, and no one, Terry loved more than Trevor. As a single father, they share a bond like no other. Always together, always bickering like two old women, always best friends. To Trevor, I am so deeply sorry for the grief you are experiencing. In the same token, I am so deeply proud of you for your loyalty, love, and sacrifice to your dad. He may not have always gotten things right, us parents never do. The one thing that nothing and no one can ever take away, is how wonderfully and completely loved you are. You are the reason behind everything he ever did, and his greatest legacy left behind.
It feels so unfair that a few months prior we were gathered together to bury your mom. No matter how old we get, it’s never easy to lose a parent, let alone both so close together. Something you said after her service has stuck with me. You mentioned how you felt like you let her down, and us, by not speaking. It’s been heavy on my heart, and I need you to know that is the farthest thing from the truth. Anything you need to say to her, or to your dad, you can share directly with them. We all have our own experiences and memories with your dad, we know how much he means to all of us, and we can feel how much he means to you. The way you have cared for him these past few years, putting your life on hold, attending appointments, administering medications, clothing, bathing, feeding, providing. You do not need to prove to any of us how much you love your dad. We are so proud of you.
To Farrah, there are not enough ways to say thank you. The way you stepped in to care for Terry and support Trevor, our family will never be able to express how much we appreciate you, and how grateful we are. You took on a very emotionally and physically demanding role, that was not your responsibility, and did it with such grace, devotion, and out of pure love. I am so happy that Trevor has your unwavering support. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for being there when we needed it.
To Mommom, my Aunt Debbie, and my Dad: I cannot imagine the emotions you are feeling. You’ve know Terry his entire life, literally. No matter how old we get, parents are not supposed to bury their children. I hope seeing everyone gathered here today, the memories that have been shared, the love that has been flowing, provides you some comfort in knowing how special he is to all of us.
Lastly, My wish for all of us,
I hope we are able to take these moments and memories to look back on fondly, and as we continue down our own paths in life, we are able to create new memories, happy memories, and think fondly of Terry as he watches over us. Grief is a delicate thing, a human thing we all carry. It’s incredibly raw, it knows no boundaries, and has no distinction between race, religion, age, and so one. We all know it. We all experience it. It comes and goes, but never really leaves. Ironically, love is the exact same way. If there was no love, there would never be any grief. Because there is love, real love, raw, limitless love, we grieve when we can no longer share it with the ones we hold close. It’s human, and it’s selfish. While grief is normal, and there is no right way to experience it. it’s uniquely our own journey, but it’s also selfish. While we are missing Terry in our lives, he isn’t missing us. Because he never really left us. He is here, and everywhere, all at once. There is no more pain, no more medications, no more human limitations on his love. He is free, he is home, and he is loved. We may not see him, but he sees us. And he will be with us all in our time left on earth. We will all see him again some day, when our own time comes. And I know he will be waiting, arms wide open, with a few notes of constructive criticism to boot.
So, to my uncle Terry. This really isn’t a goodbye. so for now I will simply say “see you later”.