Terry Niel Ekberg, 78, passed away September 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer and other health issues in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Terry was born in Salt Lake City on March 24, 1945 to Oscar Fredrik Ekberg and Lucille Marie Pearson. Terry served an LDS mission to Sweden and later earned multiple degrees and certifications in Education from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, and Utah State University. He taught Honors and Advanced Placement Biology at West High School and was instrumental in introducing the International Baccalaureate Program to the school. He loved to teach his students and instill his love for science, wildlife, and plants to everyone around him. He married his wife Norma Loraine Briggs in Salt Lake City on June 6, 1968.
Terry loved visiting the National Parks and cruising all over the world (South Pacific, South America, Alaska) with his dear wife Loraine. He was a master gardener and took great pride in growing exotic non-native trees and plants in his indoor greenhouse and home. He enjoyed watching movies, playing overly competitive ping pong and croquet, playing early morning church basketball with his sons, going to the family cabin in Island Park, Idaho and taking day trips into Yellowstone National Park.
Terry was a retired Master Sergeant and Medical Supplies Technician with the Utah Air National Guard.
Terry is survived by his 4 living children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, brother and sister. He was proceeded in death by his wife, his parents, his oldest son and daughter-in-law.
A viewing and service will be held at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
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June Hymas Ames
Mr. Ekberg was one of the hardest, most memorable, and best teacher I had at West High. I took honors biology from him my freshman year, and AP biology from him my senior year, and I still remember quite a bit because of how much he drilled us.
Thank you, Mr. Ekberg.
West High, Class of 1999
Mr. Ekberg was one of the hardest, most memorable, and best teacher I had at West High. I took honors biology from him my freshman year, and AP biology from him my senior year, and I still remember quite a bit because of how much he drilled us.
Thank you, Mr. Ekberg.
Mr. Ekberg was my most influential teacher in high school. I loved his class and his teachings so much that I chose to major in Biology in college and got my BS degree. I was the first in my family to graduate high school, let alone college. I owe all of this in part to teachers like Mr. Ekberg, who made staying in school easy. And who recognized my personal struggles and was always willing to help.
Mr Ekberg might have been one of the toughest teachers I had, but his enthusiasm for Biology always had my attention. I would never have gotten through college without his lessons on note taking and lecture based learning. I'm sure he saved many kids like me. He was the best. My condolences to his family.
Mr Ekberg might have been one of the toughest teachers I had, but his enthusiasm for Biology always had my attention. I would never have gotten through college without his lessons on note taking and lecture based learning. I'm sure he saved many kids like me. He was the best. My condolences to his family.
Rest in paradiddles Mr. Ekberg. I admired and respected your vast knowledge/intelligence when it came to horticulture and biology. And thank you sir for being a great teacher and mentor along with complementing and encouraging me regarding my drumming skills when I was attending West High School.
Craig Perry
WHS class of 1988
Rest in paradiddles Mr. Ekberg. I admired and respected your vast knowledge/intelligence when it came to horticulture and biology. And thank you sir for being a great teacher and mentor along with complementing and encouraging me regarding my drumming skills when I was attending West High School.
Craig Perry
WHS class of 1988
Mr. Ekberg was my Utah Wildlife teacher and I admired him greatly.
Kent Hunt... Class of 1977
Mr. Ekberg was my Utah Wildlife teacher and I admired him greatly.
Kent Hunt... Class of 1977