July 8, 2008

Terry McElhatton 1954–2008

By Carol Rosen
Staff Writer

Terry McElhatton, 52, a popular Valley Christian High School television and video teacher, passed away from a heart attack June 28 after a day of wind surfing with his son Chris.

Terry McElhatton

Mr. McElhatton, whose name may sound familiar because of his father TV newsman Dave McElhatton, had been at Valley Christian High School [VCHS] for the past eight years. He helped build the school’s television and communications department, which school officials say was nearly non-existent before his arrival.

“Terry had a heart for training young people with the strongest Christian character to become the world’s most effective communicators,” said Dr. Clifford Daugherty, president and superintendent of Valley Christian Schools. “His purpose at VCHS was to restore Christian values to the media through the influence of his students. There is no doubt that many of his students will thrill Terry's heart as they achieve that goal while he watches from heaven.”

“His faith was strong and the loss is great,” said Claude Fletcher, the school’s chancellor. “He was not just well-known among our students but very popular and well loved.”

Mr. McElhatton had just accepted an appointment as assistant professor in the communications department at San Jose State University, but told officials that he would continue to help the high school any way he could, “because I want to always be part of helping to shape the lives of Valley students.”

He leaves behind his wife Robin, his son Chris and his daughter Lauren, who attended the school and will be a teacher at Valley Christian starting in the fall.

A memorial service was held July 13 Calvary Church, Los Gatos. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to a memorial fund to help pay for Chris’ college education. Checks should be made out to Valley Christian Schools with Terry McElhatton Memorial on the memo line, and sent to the school at 100 Skyline Drive, San Jose, CA 95111.