Terrence “Terry” Church, BSA, DVM, MSc
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Terry Church on February 27, 2018 at the age of 77 years in Port Moody, British Columbia.
A native of Elrose, Saskatchewan, Terry was born on March 9, 1940. He was a kind, caring, and charismatic person, who dedicated his life to making the world around him a better place.
Terry was most committed to his family and friends. His favorite pastime was cheering on his children, and later his grandchildren, in their many activities. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Patricia (nee Trytten); his sons John and Jeffrey and their families including John’s daughters Charissa and Chloe and their mother Nicole, Jeffrey’s wife Melissa and their children Emily, Jack, and Audrey; and his dear brother Trevor.
Terry attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining degrees in both Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, graduating first in his class. He went on further to complete a Master’s Degree in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan, where part of his research was conducted at the University of California, Davis.
After a distinguished career as both a practicing veterinarian and a former government Director with Alberta Agriculture, Terry “retired” to manage the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch for the O’Connor family, located near Calgary. He was a larger than life storyteller that loved to host guests and share his knowledge of the bison, elk, reindeer, and cattle during ranch tours that showcased the beautiful setting in which they were raised.
Terry was a passionate advocate for animal care, serving on multiple boards including: the Alberta Elk Association, the Calgary Zoo, the Canadian Cervid Council (President), and the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (Chairman).
A celebration of Terry’s life is being held during an open house, Wednesday April 4th 2018, between the hours of 1-5 pm at Granary Road, 226034 112th St West, MD of Foothills, AB, T0L 0X0, Canada
Donations in memory of Terry can be made to the BC Children’s Hospital by visiting www.bcchildrens.ca