This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: KUSESKE, PETERS, SMITH Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/27000/mb.ashx Message Board Post: KUSESKE, Terry Of Kalamazoo On September 2, 2010, we said goodbye to a beloved friend who quietly yet profoundly touched the lives of everyone around him. Terry Kuseske, who was born on August 18, 1949, was a generous man who listened with love, shared his support and did all he could to make a difference. As a genuine and compassionate community advocate and volunteer, Terry strived to make Kalamazoo a better place. He served on the boards of Michigan Equality, Great Lakes PeaceJam, the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE), the City Planning Commission and the Kalamazoo County Transit Authority. He also volunteered for the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, Michigan Citizen Action and CARES. Terry worked as a Social Studies teacher for the Dowagiac school system for 33 years and served as a Cass County Commissioner. As a teacher, he won the 2004 Golden Apple award and the 1994 Michigan Social Studies Educator of the Year award and helped rewrite the state curriculum. His students loved him a! nd even today, continue to talk about how he has affected their lives. As an openly gay man, he fought and advocated for the rights of the gay and transgender community for years. He turned the hearts and minds of many simply by being himself. Terry's greatest achievement was his leadership of Kalamazoo's Non-Discrimination Ordinance in 2009. Terry was the originator of the ordinance and fought tirelessly for over two years to bring equality, inclusion, and fairness to all of Kalamazoo's citizens. Known, as a bridge builder and connector, Terry always focused on bringing opposite sides together. "Let's get everyone together in a room and talk about it" was Terry's favorite line. Terry was relentless in his problem-solving and fearless in his leadership. Hand extended. heart open. you felt comfortable taking on problems head on with him. After a rigorous and tireless campaign, Terry Kuseske was elected as a City Commissioner of Kalamazoo in 2009. Terry had become the first o! penly gay man to be elected to the city commission. Terry loved the pe ople of Kalamazoo and the people loved him. As a city leader, Terry took his responsibilities seriously and considered himself a true servant of the people. Known as the Mayor of the Counter Crew at Food Dance Cafe, he often spent Saturday mornings listening to what his friends and the community had to say about their daily lives and hopes for the city. Terry is preceded in death by his sister, Vicky (Peters), his mother Minnie May (Smith) and his father Leo Victor. Surviving him are his brothers Jeff and Jim Kuseske and a multitude of friends whom he always expressed love for and called his "Kalamazoo Family". If you're wondering whether you were a part of this family, the answer is yes! To his friends, he will always be known for his love and support. To the gay community, he is a hero who was not afraid to be himself. And to the citizens of Kalamazoo, he is known as a voice for the people. Terry Kuseske touched us all and he will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held ! on Thursday, September 9th, 2010 from 5:00-6:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 6:30 PM. Both events are being held at Unity Church at 1204 Whites Road in Kalamazoo. Please join us in remembering his spirit. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Terry's favorite charities, the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center www.kglrc.org or Great Lakes PeaceJam www.greatlakespeacejam.org. Arrangements entrusted to: WHITLEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 330 North Westnedge Ave. (269) 488-2401 www.whitleymemorial funeralhome.com Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on September 6, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.