Gombey Festival Honouree, September 7, 2017
Terry Jerome “Termite” Simmons was born on May 20, 1954 to Cora Simmons and Walton Joseph. His childhood home was “The Gate”, where he enjoyed a carefree, adventurous childhood with his siblings Murray, Gay and Paul as well as numerous cousins. While roaming his neighbourhood, the sound of the drums got into his veins and thus began his lifelong love and passion for the Gombeys.
Terry had a long, illustrious career of dancing beginning at the tender age of 9 with Norford’s Gombeys. He later performed with Place’s Gombeys before moving on to H&N Gombeys, and then back to Place’s New Generation Gombeys. Terry’s talents were not limited to dancing; he also created magnificent Gombey hats and costumes, which he frequently gifted to others. He was actively involved until he passed on January 19, 2017.
Terry was very active in his community. He attended Heard Chapel through his youth, and played for Centaurs, North Village, and Young Men’s Social Club. He had a varied career that took him from The Bermuda Telephone Company, to the Fairmont Southampton Princess, to Marketplace, and most recently Redeem Construction. With a friendly, easygoing attitude, he quickly adjusted to the varied environments where he worked throughout his long career.
After their marriage in 1981, Terry and his wife became the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Terrieka and Dawnae. Fully embracing fatherhood, Terry ensured that his family always came first. He looked forward to Cup Match camping, picnics, games nights, birthdays and Christmas celebrations. His first grandchild, Ricaija, fondly remembers that his Poppa gave him fatherly advice, took him on wonderful camping adventures, and fittingly inducted him into the Gombey fraternity. Terry was absolutely delighted by the birth of his granddaughter Ki Ana in 2014. Of course his “son” and “first child” was his nephew Jarrizhino, who he spoiled without apology.
Terry’s dancing took him to Barbados and Antigua, and his favorite part of this cultural exchange was learning about and sharing the rich, unique Bermuda Gombey heritage. He learned about the Gombey culture from his Godfather Norford, who introduced him to the art form. He also was inspired by Dennis Place, Sparky Place, and the late Lawrence “Stickers” Hendrickson. Terry will long be remembered for his unique and energetic style of performing, particularly his splits and the passion he brought to the “Rush ‘em Back”.
Family meant everything to Terry, and he treated his Gombey fraternity like brothers and sons. We honour him as a master of the arts of the Gombey tradition.
