CWO John Terence MMM, CD
John left us unexpectedly very late on May 26, 2021, in his 77th year.
Born in Skeffling, Yorkshire, England on December 17, 1944 to a Royal Air Force pilot and his Canadian wife, John moved to Southern Ontario when World War II ended. He graduated from Pauline Johnson High School in Brantford, before beginning work at Bell Canada. He was an employee of Bell Canada for 40 years.
John met Lynda Watson in 1966, and they were married November 4, 1967. They moved to their acreage in West Lincoln and raised their three daughters, Jeanne, Jackie and Julie. John loved their massive vegetable garden, their prolific asparagus bed and their menagerie of rescue dogs, barn cats, rabbits, cows and horses.
John joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a piper in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) in August, 1958. He served as a member of the regiment for 42 years, receiving the 3rd bar on his Canadian Forces Decoration from HM Queen Elizabeth in 2000. John was appointed Pipe Major in 1973 and remained in that position until his retirement. During his time with the Pipes & Drums, he had the honour of performing all over the world, most notably leading the band at the Last Tattoo in Berlin, the Hamburg Polizei Show, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France, and in many appearances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. Subsequent to his retirement in 2001, John continued to be an active participant in the regiment, affectionately known as “Pipe Major Emeritus.” He spent countless hours teaching a new generation of pipers his love for the Great Highland Bagpipe, and demonstrating a devotion to his regiment.
John became a member of Hugh Murray Lodge 602 in 2000, the same Lodge that his father had joined many years before. He held many positions within the lodge, including Grand Lodge Piper. Apparently, the rest is secret. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Binbrook Chapter 117, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Smithville.
He is loved and missed by Lynda, his wife of 53 years; by his children, Jeanne & Dennis Small, Jacqueline & Lawrence Henderson, Julie & Andrew Pittman; and by his grandson, Owen Pittman. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Terence (nee Cummings), by Lynda’s parents, Kenneth and Jesse Watson (nee Dearing), and by his younger brother, Ronald.
John is missed by his best friend, Chance. He has always been fond of animals, and took a keen interest in their welfare. He enjoyed spending time with his “grand-dogs”, “grand-cats” and “grand-cows” and always made a point of asking how they were doing. They will all miss his attention.
John’s family would like to thank the 911 operator, the Niagara Regional Police, the West Lincoln Fire Department and the Niagara and Hamilton paramedics for their help and assistance. They would also like to thank the staff at the Juravinski Emergency Department, especially Dr. Chris Heyd, for their kindness and professionalism.
There will be a private service for immediate family on Tuesday, June 1st, followed by a Celebration of Life when Covid restrictions allow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local SPCA, the Argyll Regimental Foundation (specify Pipes & Drums) at 175 Longwood Rd S., Suite 400, Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1, or to the charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Terence Wednesday May 26th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
John was fine man and a great Mason. I had the utmost admiration and respect for John who was always a gentleman and never missed an opportunity to say hello when in his presence. I know that he will be piping for the G.A.O.T.U. at all great Heavenly occasions.