Terrance Patrick Yenson

Terry Yenson passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, after a lengthy and courageous fight with cancer. Terry was a cherished husband, brother, son, friend, partner, mentor, and teammate -- he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cindy Yenson; brother, Rick Yenson (Linda Russell); mother-in-law, Carol Mound; brothers-in-law, Rick Mound (Tina) and Sean Mound (Patti); nieces and nephews, Nicole Mound, Trey Mound (Sara), Chelsie Craddock (Lawson), Patrick Mound, and Jonathan Mound; great-nephews and niece, Greyson Mound, Caroline Mound, and Noah Craddock; and members of the Ross and Starowitz family who held a special place in his heart.

Born Wednesday, November 3, 1954, in Buffalo, New York, Terry obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Louisville, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986 to begin his legal career. He was a founding partner and namesake of YLAW, where he distinguished himself as a medical malpractice attorney. He was highly regarded by his colleagues and adversaries alike as a true trial attorney, with a rare mix of devotion to his clients and a commitment to decency and compassion for all. Terry received numerous professional awards and accolades throughout his 32-year career, including induction into the American Board of Trial Advocates and election as President of that prestigious organization's New Mexico Chapter. He retired from the full-time practice of law in 2018 to spend more time traveling the world with Cindy.

Although Terry had no children of his own, he was a dedicated uncle to the children of his extended family and close friends. Nothing made Terry happier than seeing his swimming pool overflowing with his adopted nieces and nephews, and he felt great pride as he watched all of them grow to adulthood. Terry also had a lifelong love of animals, none so precious to him as his canine companions. In recent years, he and Cindy volunteered at Animal Humane New Mexico.

Terry had a wide variety of interests outside of his legal career. Many will be surprised to learn that he was born with cystic fibrosis, but against all odds and with almost unimaginable determination, he refused to let his condition define or limit him. He was dedicated to fitness; he loved skiing, travel, music, civil war history, snorkeling, softball, the occasional cigar, and a good bourbon. His great unrequited love was the Buffalo Bills.

Terry rarely wore his emotions on his sleeve, but those closest to him knew him as a man of great passion and tender heart. Either because of or in spite of his health challenges, Terry was also endowed with more than his fair share of wit and sarcasm. He mastered the art of "dropping the mic" before that was even a thing. Terry left us too early, but we find solace in the fact that he lived his life to its fullest in the years he was given.

Terry requested no memorial service. For those wishing to honor Terry's memory, the family asks for donations to Animal Humane New Mexico ( AnimalHumaneNM.org ) or the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation cff.org/rockymountain/donate .