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Terry of Terry’s Vending passes away May 14

Terry Leon Harris touched the lives of many people at ITD Headquarters. He was the man behind Terry’s Vending that for years supplied countless snacks and other refreshments through vending machines located near the Headquarters’ break room.

Born May 25, 1948, Harris passed on May 14, 2016, from complications with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 67.

“Though Terry lost his sight in 1973, he was determined to be a ‘competent blind guy,’” according to his obituary, published May 17 in the Idaho Statesman.

“With the support and encouragement of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Terry was able to obtain two college degrees and begin a self-employed career.

“Terry was not only the owner, but he also operated his businesses which included the Julia Davis Boat House, Terry’s Cafeteria (at the Industrial Commission), and Terry’s Vending which serviced multiple government agencies. Terry retired in March 2016.

“Terry’s competence was evident in his personal life as well. How many blind guys have you seen water ski, climb trees, sweep chimneys, run a band saw, or pack out an elk?

"His advice to others is ‘don’t cut yourself short and always have a positive attitude.’”

Services for Harris were held May 18 at Bowman Funeral Directors. Donations can still be made to either the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (vocational rehabilitation program), 341 W. Washington St., Boise, Idaho 83702.