Published on 2 February 2021
Tributes have been paid to a theatre practitioner, described as ‘one of the best’, who has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Terry Boston-Marsh, who was 54, died on Friday, 29 January, at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
He had worked in operating theatres across the Kent and Canterbury Hospital for 25 years, and East Kent Hospitals chief executive Susan Acott said his department was devastated by his death.
She said: “Terry was, quite simply, one of the best. He was a hugely skilled member of the team who was highly respected by everyone he worked with.
“He had been redeployed to the intensive care unit during the pandemic and quickly made his mark there thanks to his calm, kind nature and his support of staff, patients and their families.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends, particularly his team at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital who are devastated at the loss of one of our own.”
Terry, who lived in Canterbury, leaves his mum Marlene Tupp, and his sister, who is living in America.
Marlene said: “Terry was the sort of son everyone would have wanted.
“He was so kind and thoughtful. I only had to mention something I was interested in and Terry would buy it for me.
“He loved working at the hospital; it really was his calling. He had recently received his certificate to mark 25 years there and he went out and bought a Westminster chiming clock to mark the occasion.
“Whenever he called I would hear it chiming in the background. Now I will never hear it again.
“I never expected he would go before me, but with this virus anything goes. No one knows how or where he got it, and to begin with it was just the loss of taste and smell but he just got worse and no one could save him.”
Terry worked in day surgery and main theatres, before moving to the ophthalmic theatre department where he worked for many years.
Karen Amber, principal operating department practitioner, said: “Terry was a much-loved member of the team and we are shocked and heartbroken at his loss.
“We are a family here and we are totally devastated to have lost one of our own.
“Terry would do anything for anyone and never asked for anything in return.
“He had a wicked sense of humour, but never at anyone else’s expense, and he helped to keep spirits up even in the most stressful of situations.
“We will remember him as a truly kind, funny man with a heart of gold.”
Dr Rosina Zakri, speciality doctor in ophthalmology, gave a tribute on behalf of the hospital’s ophthalmic surgeons: “Terry was quiet but extremely skilled and this did not go unnoticed by all the surgeons who worked with him.
“He never raised his voice and had a real sense of humour. Terry knew everything; his calm aura filled everyone with confidence and we respected his opinion enormously.“His loss leaves a hole that is impossible to fill.”
His funeral is yet to be arranged. Colleagues are also considering a permanent memorial to him on the hospital site.
