Obituary
Terry was born February 2, 1959 to his loving parents, Gloria and Thomas Tooley, (known as Glen). In his younger years Terry travelled and lived in many places with his family including Germany, as his father served in the military. They eventually settled in Chalk River, Ontario where he attended school and played football. Terry was always academically gifted and a hard worker, often receiving academic awards and praise from his teachers. Even as a young man Terry always had enthusiasm about outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Terry suffered an unfortunate electrical accident when he was 17 which resulted in an extended hospital stay, multiple surgeries, and a “blown up arm”. He would often be found sharing this story and was able to laugh about it and saying that he had already “died once”. Having limited use of his left arm definitely had impacts on his life, however, he did not let it slow him down, most people had no idea because it rarely affected his ability to do anything he wanted in his life. Terry had a career in management with the Metropolitan store at a very young age which was exemplary of his hard work and determination. At the age of 18 he met Bonnie, and they dated only a few short months before becoming engaged. They were married about 6 months later on July 8, 1978. Together they travelled multiple places following his career until they settled in Grande Prairie, Alberta and on November 15, 1984, they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Krista. A few years later Terry accepted a transfer to The Pas with the MET store, where they planned only to spend a few years. Terry was a beloved manager at the MET store in the Otineka Mall, where his knowledge, passion, and personality, gained him many friends, quickly. Terry was well known for many things, including his sense of humor, he often had nick names and side jokes with people, he was quick witted and loved to make people laugh, he was adored by many. During this quick stay in The Pas, Terry and Bonnie welcomed their second daughter, Jennifer on June 28, 1989, and shortly after relocated to Parry Sound, Ontario once again following Terry’s career. However, the call of the North was strong, between the recreational activities that The Pas had to offer and the friendships he had formed, less than a year later they returned to The Pas, to become entrepreneurs, investing in, and opening new businesses. Terry was a well-known businessman within the area, affectionately known as “Mr. Tee”. Before the days of cell phones, he was easy to find, if he was not at home, he was either at his store, at the round table, or out fishing.
Terry built a beautiful home in the R.M. of Kelsey and a cabin on Cormorant Lake for his family in 1994. Terry had a love for travelling and enjoyed going on fishing and hunting excursions. He and Bonnie went on a special fly in fishing trip to Nueltin Lake, which straddles the now Manitoba-Nunavut boarder, and shortly after on May 10, 1995, were blessed with the final addition to their family, their baby boy Trevor. They spent many happy years together in their home making memories and taking small family trips together. Terry was an invested family man, always near when his children needed anything, from a dance or school trip chaperone, a study buddy, driving teacher, to a talent show partner and was also that crazy parent cheering you on from the stands of every hockey tournament. When it came to his family Terry made sure everyone had everything they needed. He was strong and dependable; he had a way of making life seem effortless and made everyone around him feel comfortable and taken care of. Terry provided many opportunities for his family, including a hobby farm which was enjoyed by everyone in the community. Terry adored all of his animals and travelled often for different livestock sales. The farm also held another purpose for Terry, which was to teach his children what it meant to care for something that was solely dependant on you, as well as the meaning of hard work, dedication and commitment which are just some of the things Terry was well known for. It was important to him to make sure these qualities were also instilled in his children. Between the farm and many businesses, Terry still found time to go on as many fishing and hunting trips as possible, always up for a challenge, taking on new territories and learning new tricks. Terry loved to share his passion and love for fishing with anyone, but especially with his children. He almost always had at least one of his kids fishing with him, and even took Trevor fishing so much one year that he won the Canada youth angler of the year award. A story that Terry always happily shared, and always made him tear up. No stranger to different waters, Terry travelled the globe and always had a hook in the water. He had fished across Canada, through different parts of the US and Caribbean, and even in Europe. Fishing, undeniably was a huge passion of his, he had numerous Master Angler fish, often making new records and he even holds a current Manitoba record for Brook Trout. In 2012, Terry found a new passion in being a grandparent. His grandson, TJ was born and he immediately found himself with a new best friend and fishing buddy. Terry tied his passions together and shared all the knowledge he could with TJ taking him all across the province and country to fish and experience new things. His little buddy completed his life in ways he could have only imagined before. Terry was unbelievably proud of all of his family, with a little bit extra for TJ.
Terry’s health took an unexpected turn on October 24th when he drove himself to the hospital for some discomfort, to find out he had suffered a heart attack. Terry then was transferred to St. Boniface hospital where he underwent surgery, however, his heart had suffered a lot of damage and he was unable to recover. After this short battle with heart failure, Terry passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 13, 2021. Terry was predeceased by his wife Bonnie Tooley, mother and father, Gloria and Glen Tooley, mother and father-in-law Marion and John McMillan, and many other family members. Terry is survived by his loving children, Krista (Andy), Jennifer (Chad), Trevor (Jenna), and Grandson Thomas John, along with many adoring friends who are the equivalent of family. In keeping with Terry’s wishes, immediate cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life is tentatively planned for the end of January 2022 providing covid restrictions allow. This gathering will follow all public health orders, further information will be released as plans are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in honour of Terry to The Pas Fish Enhancement Committee, PO Box 4272, The Pas MB, R9A 1R2.
Proof of vaccination will be required to attend Terry’s service in person.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Terry Tooley February 2 1959 November 13 2021 (age 62)..
Hemauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Décès pour la Ville: The-pas, Province: Manitoba