Tributes have this week been paid to a Burnham-On-Sea man who has sadly died of Coronavirus.
Terry Skuse, 81, was well-known locally in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, where he lived and worked for many years.
His daughter, Tina, says: “Terry, dear dad to Martin and I, and a dear grandad to Emma and Sam, was taken by ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital late on 8th May from Priory Court Nursing Home in Burnham where he had lived for two years.”
“Terry had Covid-19. Tragically this awful virus took over Terry’s body and he sadly died of Covid-19 on the afternoon of Monday 11th May, aged 81.”
She adds: “Thank you so much for all the messages, phone calls, flowers, cards and kindness.”
“It means such a lot at this very sad time.”
“I’m sorry to say that only a small number of people will be permitted to attend his cremation, all of whom will have to be socially distanced. Because of this, we have decided that just my brother and I will attend at Stretchholt Crematorium on Friday 29th May.”
“We will be leaving with Terry from Millard and Son in Springfield Rd, Highbridge at 10:10am. Should anyone want to stand, socially-distanced, anywhere along the route to pay their respects they would be warmly welcome. From there we will drive to East Avenue to pass by the house where he lived for over 50 years, then go back through Highbridge, passing Market Street and Walrow and through East Huntspill where he grew up then and from there up onto the crematorium.”
Terry was a Carpenter by trade, but really he could turn his hand to anything building wise, often doing work for friends & family. Terry worked in the building arena on a self employed basis for all of his working life.
Terry was born and grew up in East Huntspill at a time when everyone knew everyone. His father Harold Skuse also always lived in East Huntspill, was one of nine brothers all of whom fought in World War II and all of whom famously survived & returned home unscathed.
Terry met and married Wendy (nee Chick) of Highbridge in the early 1960’s and he moved there, they had 3 children – Tina, Paul & Martin and lived in the same house in Highbridge for over 50 years.
Terry and Wendy were very well known local characters. Wendy worked in Fishers Newsagents in Market Street, Highbridge and then later across the road in Smarts News Agents for almost all of her working life where she kept the locals up to date with what Terry & her family were doing.
Terry was heavily involved in Cricket, playing & running teams both at East Huntspill and Puriton. He was a sociable man & was at one time very well known at the Highbridge Social Club. Terry played skittles, darts, pool & snooker with many a local. Terry loved nature with bird watching being his favourite hobby.
Tina added that the family hope to hold a memorial service followed by a wake and a celebration of his life at a later date.
