It’s been a hard week here at FleetOwner. We lost our web editor and (more importantly) our friend, Terry Nguyen, to a swimming accident — drowning while on vacation in Florida after being caught in a rip tide.
It’s a tragedy on all kinds of levels: not only had he done one helluva job covering trucking on a daily basis for our electronic media products, he did it with aplomb and class. Best thing about Terry, though, was his sense of humor — I used to kid him mercilessly about his ballroom dancing hobby (and let me be the first to tell you he was GOOD at it), while he took me to task for my horrible taste in music (Metallica, Motorhead, Iron Maiden … need I go on?) Let me tell you, it’s great when you share this kind of friendship with co-workers.
We share a lot of laughs as we go about our daily business here at FleetOwner — and that’s why Terry fit in so well, right from the get go. He also displayed a true willingness to learn everything he could about this industry so he could constantly improve his work — that’s a rare quality these days and it’s but one reason I could tell he’d be going places. I just wish the hell you were still here with us. So goodbye, my friend; I leave you with a traditional Irish blessing –
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
June 7th, 2007 @ 11:08 am
I will miss his columns. They were well written and informative. Funny, his was the first byline I actually took notice of while reading the 3 or 4 e-mags I get regularly regarding the truck industry. I looked forward to his insights and observations. God speed, Terry
June 7th, 2007 @ 11:35 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Terry Nguyen must have been a wonderful, talented guy, and gone too soon.
June 7th, 2007 @ 11:49 am
I enjoyed his insight and reporting. My condolences to his family and friends. May God bless.
Bob Arel, Brooklyn Trucking Co., Inc., Osseo, MN
June 7th, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
I had the pleasure of working with Terry and reading his articles for the past three years. Not only was he a great journalist, he was a heckuva nice guy. Our condolences to the Fleet Owner family and to the Nguyen family.
Dane Roth
Ketchum PR, Chicago, IL
June 7th, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
Terry will be sadly missed. He had a wonderful understanding and love of the trucking industry. All the best to our friends at FleetOwner and to the Nguyen family.
June 7th, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
My thoughts and prayer are with the family. I enjoyed his column. God bless you all!
June 7th, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
We on the PR side of our industry will miss Terry - his genuine character, his commitment to accuracy, and his strong passion for the business. We’re lucky to have crossed his path.
June 8th, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
It is apparent with the passing of Terry Nguyen, Fleet Owner has lost both a friend and a true professional in his chosen field. I have several of his articles on file as they have been of benefit to me in my own learning experience.
Our prayers and condolences to the Fleet Owner team and to the Nguyen family.
June 8th, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
I have corresponded with Terry several times by e-mail. He was bright and tallented. His insightful articles helped our company with everything from money saving ideas to actual sales leads that have paid off. He will be sorely missed.
Tim O’Donnell
Bowman Logistcs