Tribute

Terry was born in Lanigan, SK on June 18, 1955, and spent the next 51 years living in the Drake, SK area.  He was baptized in 1974 and was a member of the North Star Mennonite Church, Drake.  He graduated from high school in 1973 and bought his first two quarters of farm land that fall.  Over the years he purchased more land and worked at various jobs to supplement farming.  He drove a school bus from 1974-2006, worked as maintenance man for the village of Drake for 10 years, his brother’s autobody shop for 5 years, and a welder at New Concept Industries for 10 years.  Terry was inventive and together with his dad rebuilt many engines, built a grain truck using a school bus frame and cab of a truck, and a motorized four wheeled scooter for his kids to name a few.  Although woodworking was not a favorite, he constructed and reconstructed several farm structures as well as helping in the construction of our farm home.  Because of his health issues, the farm was sold in 2005, and  he moved to Warman, SK in 2006 and to Abbotsford, BC in 2010.  The highlight of this move was getting to be near his grandchildren.  Terry married Hilda Guenther on June 18, 1977.  The marriage was blessed with a son Christopher in 1979 and a daughter, Allison in 1983.  He loved his children, played with them, included them in his work when possible, taught both of them to drive at a very young age, and enjoyed golfing, and fishing with them.  He really missed them when they graduated and left home.

Terry was a conversationalist to the very end.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.  He enjoyed some lifelong friendships staying in touch when distance separated.  He enjoyed many telephone conversations with his two sisters and their last visit was such a highlight for him.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, always had candy to share, and did things with them as his health allowed.  The past several years he enjoyed getting around Abbotsford in his mobility scooter stopping to visit many people and was thankful for his coffee buddies.

Terry was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2003 and over the course of the next 18+ years, he endured many medical appointments, procedures, infections, hospitalizations and surgeries including a transplant in 2016 and 13+years of pre and post transplant dialysis.  He faced this with optimism and courage and was a friend and encourager to many dialysis patients.   Covid-19 and dialysis challenges resulted in a 3 week hospital stay until he was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on February 3.  During his last hospital stay, he expressed love and gratitude to God, family, friends and hospital and hospice staff.   His last words at hospice were “Thank you, Thank you”.

Terry was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mildred, his brother Dallas and son Chris.  He is survived by his wife Hilda, daughter in law Sheri, daughter Allison, grandchildren Ty, Brielle and Crew Rempel, sisters, Maxine (Henry) Willms, Nola (Walter) Florchinger, and 5 nephews.