Terrance M. Nearey

Born to Kenneth & Beatrix Nearey in Neptune NJ, Terry passed away at age 75 surrounded by loving family.

He taught at the University of Alberta Department of Linguistics for 37 years, whereupon he became Professor Emeritus. His humour and compassion resonated with his students, who used to give him novelty gifts & fake awards. His contributions to his field were celebrated at the 2016 Acoustical Society of America meeting in Honolulu.

He is survived by wife Beatrice, daughter Siobhan (Eugene McNamer) & sons Brendan & Kenneth.

Terry’s sense of humour ranged from silly to playful to absurd, & encompassed making up nonsensical songs, juggling baby toys, & making zany sound effects. He enjoyed conducting research, devising ad-hoc gadgets, basketball, hiking, the ocean, mountains, science, murder mysteries, hot sauce, tofu, National Public Radio, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Mongo Santamaría, & Brandenburg concertos.

The family wishes to thank the caring medical & other staff at the University of Alberta Hospital (11 weeks), the Royal Alexandra Hospital (two weeks) & Edmonton General’s Hospice (ten days); the Edmonton paramedics & fire fighters who transferred him between home & hospital seven times; & Trinity Funeral Home who arranged his final journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Alberta’s Campus Food Bank https://campusfoodbank.com/donate or the Department of Linguistics Graduate Student Travel Award Fund https://ualberta.alumniq.com/giving/to/Linguistics or sent payable to the “University of Alberta” to the Recording Secretary | 3-501, 10230 Jasper Ave NW | Edmonton AB T5J 4P6, specifying the Linguistics Graduate Student Travel Award Fund in his memory.

An online memorial is tentatively planned for spring.