Many of Minnesota's newer players - those who began to compete in the last 15 years or so - will likely not recognize the name "Terry Borne." Yet, we "old timers," who were playing in the 70's, 80's and 90's could never forget Terry "The Bird" Borne. Not only was Terry one of our strongest competitors, he was one of the most jovial, fun, creative and outgoing of our era. Playing on a team or as a partner with The Bird was an experience and always offered an excellent chance of coming out a winner.
Sadly, some years ago, Terry contracted muscular dystrophy. While it did not stop him from competing at first, eventually this debilitating disease did stop Terry's days at the table. Still, many of the bridge players stayed in touch with their fun friend.
And yesterday, despite years of battling - as The Bird always did - his days with us ended. Terry passed away yesterday, as his final run to the hospital (alas, there were so many) turned out to be his last.
The picture above is of Terry with his wife, also one of our fine, long standing players: Audrey Weikle. As Audrey was one of my regular bridge partners for many years, our phone call included both some Bird stories and some of our own. It was a different world, back in the day of no stratification or Gold Rush, when the novices faced the experts and we all had a ton of fun doing it. Terry was often the ringmaster of having a great time!
Above is a shot of the Swiss Team winners at the Duluth Regional, circa 1977. A young Terry is on the left, with other "Ranger" competitors Howie Weinstein, Dick Melson and Steve Garner.
I invite all those who knew Terry "back in the day" to share their stories with us. (Believe me; there are many!)
Terry was a huge part of our bridge community for many years - and a most special one. Our condolences to Audrey and the rest of Terry's family - and a farewell to a great friend, competitor and class act guy.
Always a great to play with Terry. Sad to hear this news he will be missed!
Posted by: Paul Meerschaert | November 22, 2018 at 01:41 PM
Very sad to hear the news, besides being a great player he was one of the great personalities in Minnesota bridge. One of my favorite tournaments was with Cheryl as our npc, Michael Lee, a pair from Dayton and the Bird and Audrey about 15 years ago in Gatlinburg. Bird and Audrey were playing in the first half of the ko rounds we were in. In the finals, the opponents conceded at the half, so Bird and Audrey ended up winning more then a masterpoint for every hand they played! We had rented a cabin so we just relaxed on Wednesday with bbq, beers and lots of stories.
Posted by: Craig Satersmoen | November 24, 2018 at 07:29 PM