Obituary of Terrence Fournier HAWITT
May 3, 1929 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
February 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta
After a remarkable life, Terry Hawitt died peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Terry said, “I love life, and I love living it” and that is exactly how he will be remembered by his family and all who knew him well. He is survived by his wife, Anne Kelly Hawitt; his sons, Michael Hawitt (Sarah) and their children Lauren and Max; John Hawitt (Wendy) and his daughter Georgina; Brian Hawitt (Jamie) and their daughter Dana; and his daughters, Karen Hawitt (Trevor) and their daughter Zoë; and Sarah Cormack (Neal) and their children Owain, Leona and Liam. His greatest happiness and pride were his family.
Terry was born an only child in Saskatoon, SK on May 3, 1929. He spent his formative years in Montreal and later attended Concordia, formally Sir George Williams University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. Terry started his career with the Sunlife Assurance Company and moved to Calgary in 1952, ultimately becoming group manager in Western Canada. Terry fell in love with Anne, a long time Calgarian, and this past August celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1970, Terry returned to university to study geology and ventured into the oil and gas industry founding numerous companies which he ran for the next 30 years.
Terry’s outlook on life and his eternal optimism shaped everything that he did. Terry was an ardent volunteer, founding director Theatre Calgary 1969, and Chairman of the Calgary Zoo and Zoological society 1969-85, instrumental in the long-term plans and Prehistoric Park. Terry’s love of nature, community and the outdoors were the backbone to the founding of the Parks Foundation Calgary 1985-2020. His contributions to the greenspaces, park foundation benches, playgrounds and trails are enjoyed throughout the city. Terry’s proudest achievements include James Short Park, Rouleauville Square, Jim Fish Ridge, Evamy Ridge and many others. He took great pride in his community and all the people who were a part of it. He was filled with excitement and curiosity learning about someone else’s story; he had a unique ability making everyone feel special.
Terry was an avid outdoorsman and accomplished athlete, spending any free time golfing, or in the mountains hiking and skiing. In his later years he was a walking and biking enthusiast, riding the city trails or walking along the ridge in Britannia and Riverpark. Terry also enjoyed painting, and at the age of 89 decided to rekindle this hobby by taking weekly lessons with fellow artists.
Terry loved people and his friendships were a testament to his loyal, kind, inquisitive and adventuresome spirit. He would always be up for a lively debate, and his mischievous grin and wholehearted laugh exemplified his good humour and positive nature. Terry’s enthusiasm was infectious. His passion, determination and gracious manner will long be remembered by those he encountered as well as his contributions to the city through all the beautiful green spaces. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and by all whose lives he touched.
Terry’s family would like to thank the staff at Chinook Care Centre Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Terry’s Life will take place once the snow melts and COVID numbers allow a true event for Terry. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Terry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Terry’s memory can be made to Parks Foundation Calgary, www.parksfdn.com.
In living memory of Terry Hawitt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Terrence
Fournier
Terry
HAWITT 1929 2021..
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta