There’s a saying that it’s the quality of someone’s life that’s important and not how long it was.
By that yardstick, Terry Diomis had a wonderful life.
He passed away in Campbelltown Hospital on Sunday after some health challenges that he had been dealing with since September last year.
The incredible response from the community since the sad news of his passing were made public is without doubt a reflection of what a legend of the Macarthur region he was.
On his official website Terry Diomis described what he did as “media, sales and marketing’’.
But when his name came up in any conversation, “media, sales and marketing’’ just didn’t go anywhere near describing who he really was.
Tremendously inspiring, community minded, a real character with a dash of flamboyance come close to describing him.
The Camden born and Bred Terry Diomis was also a fighter.
He posted the words below from his hospital bed on Christmas Eve:
“Let me just say, you never know what life may throw at you. The last few months have been a testing time for me in the busiest and happiest time of the year. I haven’t been able to do my thing and be part of it for the first time in a long time. But one thing I’ve learnt in this time is that your health and your family is most important of all.
“I still have a large last hurdle to jump, but it’s just another challenge, all is on the mend and I can’t wait to be back bigger, better and stronger sometime soon in 2023.
“Thank you to all who have always loved, cared and shared this journey with me, especially the last couple of months. You know who you all are.’’
Next Monday, Terry Diomis would have celebrated his 52nd birthday, but instead his wife Melissa, and children Nick and Abby, and the extended family will be preparing for the final farewell of a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Most people would have come across Terry Diomis while he performed as an MC at scores of functions at Camden and Campbelltown over the years.
He was a regular at Narellan Town Centre and Macarthur Square spruiking new cars or other products and services.
But Terry Diomis also knew how important it was to give back to the community and he MCd functions for plenty of local charities and organisations.
In the last few years he loved expressing his Greek heritage when he became an integral part of Macarthur Greeks Inc as one of their community ambassadors.
In his “spare time’’ Terry Diomis was the Drive announcer on radio station My88FM.
He was also behind the Smarter Macarthur business to business magazine and also did a lot of marketing work in Macarthur and out of the area.
A big Parramatta Eels fan, Terry Diomis also started supporting the Macarthur FC Bulls when they started playing in the A-League.
He was also big into cycling and fitness in general.
The sudden death of Terry Diomis at such a relatively young age has left his family in need of support at this terrible time.
If you’d like to help, a gofundme page has been launched with the aim of raising $20,000 for the Terry Diomis family.
At 5pm yesterday it had raised more than $5,000.
Another local legend, firie and photographer Brett Atkins, said this about the late Terry Diomis after making a donation: “An inspiring man, a true champion, he will be greatly missed by all and our community.’’
If you’d like to contribute visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-terry-diomis-family
Camden Cycle Club has announced a tribute Race for Tezza – Criterium Race for January 29 when the $15 entry fees will be donated to the Terry Diomis family.
If you’d like to take part visit the club’s page here.
- Meanwhile the family has announced that the celebration of life service for Terry Diomis will be held at C3 New Hope Mt Annan on Tuesday, January 31 from 10:30am.
This is distressing news. Terry always had a kind and enthusiastic word to say. Always smiling and a wee bit cheeky. I will miss him at all the MacArthur events. Rest in peace my friend.
I am sorry to hear this news. Terry was a lovely positive person. Condolences to Melissa and the family.
What could have struck down such a fit young man?
I haven’t seen terry for many of years but still dosent stop or ease the pain. He was way to young for this to happen. So I send my condolences to his family. He was a champion person that will be surely missed Rest In Peace my right winger.
Your left wing man
Norman Batten