G. Bard Obituary

G. Terry Bard

At the age of 90, G. Terry Bard concluded this chapter of his story Thursday, November 27, 2025, after enduring Alzheimer's and iNPH for the past year. True to his name, Terry lived as a bard-a gifted storyteller whose life was filled with curiosity, service, and enthusiasm.

Born an only child on a rural Pennsylvania farm to George and Cora (Nesbitt) Bard, Terry's childhood was rich with books that sparked a lifetime of curiosity. His mother worked tirelessly to ensure he received an excellent education, and Terry went on to graduate from Mercersburg Academy, The College of Wooster, and Yale Divinity School, and to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from The University of Findlay.

Terry served as a Presbyterian pastor in Newark and Columbus, before beginning a 30-year ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, (1968–1998). His 10-minute sermons, always laced with stories, left lasting impressions. He often said that if you couldn't reach people in 10 minutes, you wouldn't in 20 or 30.

Terry's influence extended far beyond the church walls. He played an integral role in developing Family Services of Hancock County and Dale L. Dorney Fund Community Foundation. He was also an active member of Rotary Club.

Curiosity and creativity followed him everywhere. He built a darkroom for photography, crafted a harpsichord for his wife Gretchen, experimented in the kitchen, and often baked for family and friends.

When Terry and Gretchen retired to Crystal Lake, he volunteered and worked part-time at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Interlochen's stories became part of his own as he gave tours, welcomed donors, and encouraged future students. He cherished the camaraderie of the volunteer community and delighted in meeting fascinating people.

Behind the scenes, Terry was always Gretchen's steadfast partner, the tireless hand in her gardens, her loyal assistant in jam-making, and the unwavering advocate for their daughters. Later, he embraced his role of "Papa" to four adoring grandchildren and, most recently, "Great Papa" to Eloise.

In his later years, Terry and Gretchen downsized to a condo in Traverse City, and Terry eventually moved to Cordia. Life at Cordia offered enrichment, community, and new companionship with his partner, Diana. He joined the choir, the men's group, exercise classes, and attended programs on art, music, and current events. True to form, he made decisions quickly and wisely, easing his family's life, downsizing before it became too difficult, moving to Cordia before he truly needed it, and giving up driving before the conversation was necessary. May we all learn from that part of his story.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Gretchen Mayer Bard and grandson-in-law, Jim Rodriguez. His stories will continue through his partner of six years, Diana Glendon; his daughters, Sarah Rogers (Randy) and Rebecca Somsel (Steve); his grandchildren, Drew Somsel (Michelle Firlit), Eliza Somsel Rodriguez, Abigail Rogers, and Mac Rogers; and his great-granddaughter, Eloise Rodriguez.

Those wishing to honor Terry's curiosity and inspiration may consider a memorial gift to The College of Wooster, Office of Advancement, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691, Attn: Rebecca Schmidt

"Tears are sometimes an inappropriate response to death. When a life has been lived completely honestly, completely successfully, or just completely, the correct response to death's perfect punctuation mark is a smile."

Julie Burchill

Please share your memories of Terry with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com