Terry Pepper

Terry Pepper, 70 of Brutus, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Born in West Bridgford, England, Terry was the son of Kenneth and Doreen Pepper.  He moved to Canada with his family where he lived for several years, receiving degrees in Advertising and Business Administration before immigrating to the United States.

Terry held management positions with various manufacturing companies throughout the Midwest.  Later, after settling in northern Michigan, Terry was the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, a position he held for ten years.  He often told his tour audiences that his real calling was to be a teacher, and tens of thousands of tourist ‘students’ would agree with that.

Terry was recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Great Lakes Lighthouse history, with his writing, research and photography appearing in numerous books, magazines, newspapers and websites.  He was a well known speaker throughout the Midwest, known for his spirited interpretation of all aspects of Great Lakes lighthouse history and preservation.  In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, model making and photography.

On May 5, 2007 Terry married his wife, Mary, at the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, the same place they met a year earlier. Also surviving is his daughter, Kristi (Andy) Fulk of South Carolina and two granddaughters.

A private ceremony will be held for family only but a public memorial is being planned by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association.  Those who wish are asked to consider donations in his memory to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, P.O. Box 219, Mackinaw City, MI  49701 or Hospice of the Straits, c/o McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, 360 Connable Avenue, Suite 3, Petoskey, MI  49770.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com