Terry J. Cyprian

Terry John Cyprian, best known as Cyp to his friends, was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Stephen Andrew and Rose Eileen Cyprian. Stephen owned a bicycle shop where Terry spent much of his time working alongside his Dad. In his free time, Terry could be seen riding a large unicycle about town. He played football and ran track for his high school, and received a football scholarship to UNC Greeley, where he was a member of the TEKE Fraternity. He earned a Master's Degree in Education.

Terry and Sonja met at UNC, and would spend summers at Empire Lake where Terry taught her how to water ski. First attempt was a touchdown, he could teach anything, even water skiing. Terry and Sonja were married in Sioux City, Iowa on June 30, 1962.

He was active in conservation and loved fishing and hunting with his son Jeff and some of his closest friends. Terry held on to many fond memories of deer and elk hunting near Carbondale Colorado, particularly the memories of time spent in the hunting cabin with his buddies. Next to hunting, fly fishing was Terry's other passion. His favorite trip was his annual pilgrimage to fish the Laramie River on the Hohnholz Ranch. Later in his life, Terry and friends enjoyed salmon fishing in Ketchikan Alaska.

Terry was a hard worker, a loyal friend, and someone you could laugh with. He loved spending time with his family, particularly the time he shared with his beloved granddaughter, Lauren. And oh, how Terry loved to play cards with family, and he would never miss a Sunday Bronco game. Terry was so proud of his family and grateful for time spent together.

Many former students over the years thanked Terry for his guidance and support. One student, in particular, stood out. He was thinking about quitting high school and was unsure of where his life might be going. With direction from Terry, he decided to remain in high school and enrolled in as many electronics classes Terry's schedule offered. That student would become a successful electrical engineer. Many years later, he returned to Colorado and went to lunch with Terry and Sonja. With tears in his eyes, he told Sonja, "I don't know what would have happened to me if it weren't for Mr. Cyprian. He treated me with respect, no differently than his other students."

Terry is survived by his wife Sonja in Lakewood, CO; sister and brother-in-law Janice and Don Abney in Salem, IL; daughter Julie, son-in-law Dave, and granddaughter Lauren Harr in Lakewood, CO; and son Jeff and daughter-in-law Sharon Cyprian in Conifer, CO.

No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates a donation to Rocky Mountain Cancer Assistance at http://www.rockymountaincancerassistance.org or by calling 720-229-0303.

To share a memory or condolence with Terry's family, please visit the guestbook below.