Terry Ryan Ptacek, 39 of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown, Massachusetts died suddenly of diabetic complications October 30, 2005 in Martha’s Vineyard.
Terry was born May 16, 1966 in Beaumont, Texas to Don and Kay Ptacek. He graduated from Westbrook High School and after his graduation, he attended Florida Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree in Under Water Construction/Master Dive Instructor. He worked in the Grand Cayman Islands as a dive instructor. He would go on to work for Norwegian Cruise Lines taking passengers on diving excursions and also in their Public Relations.
After a few years, Terry decided it was time for a career change. He went back to school and in 1997 earned a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Terry did his internship at Graystone in St. Helena, California. With this degree he was able to continue his love of travel. Terry worked in Alaska; St. John’s, A.V.I.; St Martin, Dutch Intelles; Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta; Lau, Hawaii; Nantucket, Massachusetts; Oiesaga in Cooperstown, New York; Paris, France; Denmark and Martha’s Vineyard.
While working and living around the world he was able to enjoy his love of sailing, hiking, ice climbing, sky diving and golf. He was an avid runner and cyclist.
Terry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Julius and Ruth Ptacek and Ralph and Katherine LeBlanc.
He is survived by his parents, Don and Kay Ptacek of Beaumont; brother, Randy Ray Ptacek and sister-in-law Kim; nieces, Katherine and Morgan of Nederland; and extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2005, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont followed by burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday evening November 4, 2005 at the Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Diabetes Research, American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 1132, Fairfax, Virginia 22038.
