What a beautiful day this was.  Saturday March 3 2013 just 9 days before Terry passed Meghan got her acceptance to university. He was so proud and glad to be there to share it with her. Thank you Abraxane and all the doctors who helped him be well enough to enjoy this time together.   

Grandma holding Meghan.  Mom asked Terry to stay close because she was weak and afraid she would drop Meg. He did as she asked and mad sure everyone was safe.

There aren't a lot of photo's of me because I usually am the one taking the pictures. So although my eyes are closed,  yes I was there.

I don't remember where this was taken.

He worked as a Private Investigator after leaving Toronto. Good fun.

He was given a plaque like all the other retiree's by the Chief of Police.

Terry and Meg put my arbor together then chose vines to grow up it. They were purple and beautiful. :-)

He was soooooo gentle with his baby girl.  :-)

Meg still wasn't born yet.  We were out and he was eating wings, when the sauce got all over his lips I asked him if he was going to teach our baby that?  He said, absolutely!  Take a photo so our little one can know I did this lonnnng before they were born - so it is ok. ;-)

Terry loved Dairy Queen cakes so Meg chose him one with a hockey player on it. She put a candle in it and he made a wish.

This blanket became Meg's favorite blankie, She would cover Terry in it and snuggle him into bed when he was tired.

Terry's clan came out for a baby shower on their side. Mom and Dad where there even though mom was so sick - she came.

What a better place could there be?  Meghan was about three days old... but.... have another look.... Terry has her dressed in something other than PINK!  Of course.....  no surprise there. So gently he held her - always.  :-)

I was pregnant, mom was sick so.... what better reason for a family reunion. The clan came out to Brampton and a good time was had by all. :-)

Uncle Jack and Terry got along. He is the one who encouraged Terry and I to look into genealogy. He was showing Mom and I on the map where Grandpa Coutu came from in Quebec.  Thanks Uncle Jack. You are not forgotte. 

Mom got down so Meghan could see her.  Mom passed shortly after this photo was taken but she took chemo so she could meet Meg. Terry and I were so glad she did. Terry and my Mom, Dad and Uncle Jack are resting just a few feet apart from each other in my family graveyard in Gatineau. May they all rest in peace along with the 38 other family members.  Many of the men were RCMP so when Terry saw that he knew he would be among good people when his time came. These are the things that helped him/ us choose where he would be burried. 

Meghan was about 5 months old in this picture.  So cute. Terry was holding onto her and cooling her down from the hot sun. :-)

We were out for lunch and I was sure getting big. 

Looks like they have both had a couple of wobbly pops!

When Terry was close to the end I told him that I would like to get a tattoo - not just for him but for me and all the family I know who have battled cancer.  My mother had stomach cancer, my father had bladder cancer, my Uncle Shine had throat cancer, and my grandfather Roland Ford had skin cancer 


The ribbon is lilac which represents all cancers.  The flowers come from my parents china set Royal Doulton 'Arcadia' which Terry and I also chose for our own.  My mother worked at MacIntosh and Watts in Ottawa when she was 16 and that is when she chose her pattern and began buying peices for her hope chest.  Terry and I chose the same pattern and also registered with MacIntosh's which was then located in the Toronto Area. 


The 'Carry On' comes from my grandfather Roland Ford who had skin cancer.  He was a WW1 and WW2 vet. His enduring spirit was with us every day in the photograph that Aunt Polly sent us.  We had it on our fridge and when the days were long and hard, I would use the words that Grandpa was famous for,   we will, 'Carry on'.

So I have it on my tattoo. Thank you Grandpa who was born in England for the tough spirit that helped so many people survive and helped us too. 

Terry was happy that I was getting a tattoo and often looked at pictures with me.  

So here is my tat..... for all my family who have suffered with cancer and all their beloved caregivers who helped them along the way. 


Ann                

As Terry's year anniversery comes closer I have looked over 'The book', that's the book Terry and I kept of all the kind things people did for us over the course of his illness.  There were soooo many people who lifted us up in our journey.  I would like to take the time to thanks them here. 

* Terry's Cousin Doris Holden.  Doris made the table cloth that was used under Terry's Urn. It is now a family heirloom.  I can't thank you enough Doris. 

* Terry's Cousin Lorrie and Marion.  You guys were always their for Terry and me. I can't count the number of times you were there on the phone or in person. You are both rocks and pillars of the family.  Deeds and actions are what make a person great and that is both of you. Thank you. 

* My Aunt Polly who called regularly 'just to make sure we were ok and to let us know that she was thinking and praying for us.  Thank you.  

* My Aunts Joan and Aunt Elaine who were also there by phone and in spirit.  They reached out and filled us with love/support to help keep us going.  Thank you.  
 
* Terry's Aunt's Mick and Beryl.  Thank you for supplying the photos and the phone support.  I was able to copy the photos and send the cd's to all family and extended family members.  Thank you.

* My Cousins.  Thank you everyone for all the emails, letters and support; you swamped me!  And I thank you for it. It was overwhelming to see how much you were all by our side in this journey.   Thank You.   


* Our friends from thursday morning, Leroy, Rolf, Jim and Mark. You all visited with Terry regularly and were there for us every time he was in hospital. You gave him/us  time and love. Thank you.  And thanks for cleaning my house too!!!


* Jimmy T from Toronto who met Terry almost every chemo session and had coffee with him while he waited.  Terry looked forward to your chats - you helped Terry feel wanted and loved. We would get in the car here in Barrie and he would say, 'I hope I see Jimmy today' and you would be there.  Thank you.

* Our Christian friends, Ron, Eileen, John, Laura.  You were there for us all the time and - everytime Terry went to hospital.  You came to our house and opened up yours.  You prayed with us and cried with us.  John I can't thank you enough for singing to Terry on his last day.  You sung words of love, and peace, I could see Terry trying to sing with you.  Thank you. 


* Gilda's Club friends.   You baked, and baked and baked.  Thank you for allowing my Terry to be shameless and wait for the oven to open. :-)  I've even posted a picture of him sitting waiting at your counter.  




    


      

            

Hi I'm Sandy, a family friend to Anne and Terry,


I met the McGowan family in AA through my husband Brian about 15 years ago.  Brian has dementia, and Terry used to take him out sometimes.  Ever the policeman he knew exactly what Brian was wearing when he lost Brian one day at the Mall.  I hadn't even noticed wht he was wearing and I am his wife. :-)


I wrote out what I might say today about a year or so ago, and when I looked at it last night I had to rewrite most of it.


Awful as cancer is, I think Terry's helped us all 'grow' so much.  Allowing us to share and be more open with each other, and allowing others to help us - that's been a hard thing for me to learn!


I've been privileged to have been able to travel the journey of the last 20 months with the McGowan family. Their sense of humor in the midst of this was amazing!  Even hearing Terry talk about having "passed his best before date".


He had no unfinished business and had time to say his goodbyes, not many people can say that.

I know how proud he was of Meghan's wonderful achievements and how grateful he was to have Ann's love.  Sometimes we all need and advocate and Ann was able to be that for him, encouraging hima nd making his last months more comfortable.

i believe each of us are put together for a reason, a season, a lifetime- and I'm grateful to have had Terry in my life- even when he was a short haired red-head, or that calvalier bald, black gloved fella. 

His body is gone, but his soul and words live on.

Enjoy your next adventure Terry. 

I love you and I'll miss you.                             

I would like to thank all the people who sent such wonderful flowers to Terry's funeral; they added to our own to fill the entire front of the church.  Please let me know if you sent some but I forgot you on this list. 

From Family, 
Terry's cousin Lorrie Naylor and Marion Livingstone
My Aunt Polly and family
Terry's brother Rick and family
My many cousins.
Shane's inlaws, The Thomas Family        

Friends   
The Thursday Morning Bunch: Sandy, Deb, Lea, Carol, Linda, Diane
Leroy Jackson and Family
Barrie Free Methodish Church
2919 Grey Simcoe Foresters
Ontario Provincial Police Association
Shane's old roommate: Andrew Cohen

Thank  you everyone, Your bouquets joined ours to fill the entire front of the church. Terry would have loved to see them all as he loved flowers so much.  They were beautiful.

Music:  John and John.  Thank you for choosing the music and playing for us. I was so pleased that you accepted this. Terry and I loved how your worship filled the air and always looked forward to listening and singing with you. 
 
Gifts: 
Laura Parr.  The teddy bear you gave Terry while he was in hospice gave him great comfort. He held onto it all the time. It was soft and gave him peace. How did you know Laura?  And thank you for the sheep skin, he used it from the moment you gave it to him all the way through hospice. Not only was it good for his body but it was good for his soul. It was something that someone did for him - that he could touch and feel. It make him feel loved and special. Thank you for giving that gift to him and us.

    
Ron, Eileen, Lea, Buck, Lisa, thank you for the finanicial donations. They were all used to buy meals during the  preperations for Terry's celebration of life. :-)     

Sue and Paul's BFMC homegroup.  Thank you for the lasagna, ham and cake. I was able to share them with our thursday morning group as they cleaned our house in preperation for the day.   

Doris, Sean, Mick and Doug Tombs.  Thanks for the donation to Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Every cent counts for this type of research as so little is ever given.  Thank you. 

Lea, Carol, Sandy, Deb, Diane, Ken and everyone else. Thank you for the food and flowers Terry was in Hopice.  Your brightened his day, made him feel loved, and fed us too. :-)
   


  
  
        

 

We had a tree on Burke Drive and didn't know what type it was. Then one year I threw some fertilizer on it in the spring and an amazing thing happend - it grew cherrys!  After we realized what was happening watching the growth and rippening of the cherries became a daily family event.  It was  spring and nature was unfolding.  There were not that many cherries the first year - just enough we figured to make a pie. 

On the morning they were ready to be picked I went up to have my shower and told Terry that I would pick them after I got dressed.   When I came down, I went to the garage and got a bucket for the cherries  then went out to pick them - figuring we'd have a happy day making and eating a pie - only to find EVERY SINGLE CHERRY WAS GONE!

I was astounded. How could this have happened???  Did Terry pick them when I was having my shower?  I asked him,  

'Love - Did you pick the cherries?'

'Nope, I've been sitting here drinking my coffee'.

  'But how could they be gone I asked?' 

Then he started laughing and telling how an entire flock of black birds landed on the tree - just after I went up to have my shower.  He said there were so many that the tree was shaking!  He was howling with laughter.  Apparently it was epic and from that moment on told me I should have wispered when I said the cherries were ready 'Because the birds heard you talking and they like cherries too'.  Hahahah. 

We laughed every year when the tree bloomed after that.  When the tree got large enough - like in the photo - I told Terry that there was now enough cherries for everyone - man and bird alike.  

He laughed and said 'With a tree like that - the birds will probably phone their friends and tell them to come over!'

        

I never knew Mr. McGowan personally, but I met him in 1983. I was nine years old at the time, and he was the officer who responded to a call I made oh so many years ago, and I never forgot him.  Sorry for your loss, he was an honorable policeman.

Hi Everyone,

This is an update.  Terry participated in a Phase 3 trial for the drug called Abraxane. It was his hope that this drug be approved for use with Pancreatic Cancer because it reduced his cancer by 38% and as a result he lived 20 months past his date of diagnosis - far longer than the 3 months that he was given. He was one of 861 pancreatic patients across the world world who qualified to participate in this study.  

He got his wish yesterday when it was announced that Abraxane has been approved by the FDA in the States for use with Pancreatic patients.  Terry would be so proud to know that he helped make this happen. Here is one of the articles about it....

Published: Sep 6, 2013

  By Peggy Peck, Editor-in-Chief, MedPage Today   Take Posttest

WASHINGTON  --  The FDA has expanded the indications for protein-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane) to include use in combination with gemcitabine in treatment of late-stage pancreatic cancer.

The drug was already approved for treatment of breast cancer and as part of first-line combination treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.

The FDA noted that in an 861-patient study that compared survival in patients treated with Abraxane plus gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone, patients in the combination arm lived about 1.8 months longer and had longer progression-free survival.

Toxicities included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, alopecia, peripheral edema, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. Other side-effects included sepsis and pneumonitis.

In a statement Richard Pazdur, MD, director of the office of hematology and oncology products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said that when pancreatic cancer progresses following surgery, "options like Abraxane can help prolong a patient's life."

The FDA approved the new indication under expedited review and the drug was also granted orphan product designation for pancreatic cancer.

The drug is marketed by Celgene, which is based in Summit, N.J.

Ann sorry to hear the passing of Terry. My father OLLIE Johnson (passed in '97) coached Terry and the boys,I didnt know Terry but I do recognize his picture in the Tug photos,even though I was a young boy  I spent alot of time admiring the big fellas working out.


All the best

Kevin Johnson    

Terry asked that this poem be placed on a bookmark and handed out at his funeral. Ryan designed and had them made then they were handed out as per Terry's request.  Thanks so much Ryan, Haili, Jenna and everyone else who did this for him.  God Bless. Ann

Remembered Joy

Don't grieve for me, for now I am Free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...

I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.

And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.

My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief-
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.    
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.  
             
  

Nov 29, 2012                 

 Man lives each day to fullest with pancreatic cancer          
 By: Janis Ramsay photo Ann and Terry McGowan celebrated Christmas early with their family this year and treat every day as special after Terry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago.  
 
BARRIE - Christmas came a month early in the McGowan house.    And aside from unwrapping gifts and digging through his stocking Nov. 25, Terry McGowan is cherishing each moment he has with his family.  Especially this month, which is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Canada.  McGowan turned 65 on Oct. 1 and has survived 15 months with the deadly cancer.   Usually by the time doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer, it has spread to surrounding organs like the liver or lymph nodes, and patients are given between three to six months to live.                       

 McGowan’s diagnosis came July 22, 2011.    He was jaundiced – one of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Others include a loss of appetite and weight, itching and nausea.    The pancreas is deep in a person’s belly and excretes enzymes into the stomach to help break down food. It also helps regulate insulin in the body. Although the exact cause is unknown, possible sources include poor diet, alcohol and smoking – which McGowan admits are in his past.                       

Doctors at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto did an ultrasound, Catscan and endcoscopy gave McGowan the diagnosis.                       

McGowan and his wife Ann did their homework to start fighting the cancer together.  He started a drug trial at Princess Margaret Hospital, which shrank the tumour by 38 per cent.  Further chemotherapy treatments also halted the growth of the cancer and a stent was put into his bile duct – which has been replaced four times – to help his pancreas function as best as possible.                       

“You have to take your health into your own hands,” said McGowan.    He now walks with the help of a cane and jokes that he’s lived “beyond his expiration date.”   He said humour is just a part of dealing with mortality.                       

“All of this has taught me to appreciate each day. Each day I’m able to do something is a good day.    “There were days with chemo when I’d be sick five days out of seven. But that meant having two days when I wasn’t sick.”                       

It’s also meant speeding up all those tasks on his to-do list.  He’s retraced his genealogy, discovering things like that his father served with the Queen’s Own Rifles.   Meanwhile, McGowan has never seen the military display at Casa Loma in Toronto. Since it isn’t accessible for someone needing a wheelchair for the day, his wife and teenage daughter filmed the tour for him.                       

 He’s scanned old photos, including one of himself as a young Toronto police officer and a1966 Newmarket Redmen hockey picture. The couple renewed their wedding vows June 23 this year, and he donned a crown to be ‘king for the day’ on his 65th birthday.  “I’m tying up loose ends I always meant to do but never got to,” he said.                       

For Christmas, he didn’t want clothes or other material items. “I told my kids I wanted events.”   He got tickets to Medieval Times and an AHL hockey game. “The biggest disappointment is I can’t go out of province. If my stent collapses, it has to be taken care of,” said McGowan.                       

Patrick Swayze’s death in September 2009 brought awareness to pancreatic cancer – which is the least funded in terms of research – and McGowan knows medical advancements since then have added to his lifespan.                       

“I look at the trials and I think they saved me. In reality, if the next trial doesn’t help me, I know (my participation) may help somebody else.”

1) Dear Anne---You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Terry.  Life goes by,  here is my Dear Marjorie gone over 6 months already--Catherine, Rosie and I just got back from a Mass held for Marjorie at our parish this evening.  We will be thinking of you and Terry on St. Patricks Day for sure.  Thank You   ---JTB----Uncle Joe.

2) Hello Ann,
Aunt Polly has let us all know about your Dear Terry's passing. She sent out your email to the rest of the cousins, Aunts and Uncles.
We will certainly remember him in style on St. Paddy's day and also in our Masses and prayers.
God Bless you all and may His Peace be with you always.
Lots of Love, Cousin Patti

3)  Dear Ann:  I am so sorry for your loss...  Terry was a great guy... and I'll    toast him on St. Paddy's Day...!      Laz B.

4)  Dear Ann: Iam so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Love  Ivana

5)  Ann and Family:   My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I am so glad that I got to meet Megan, Terry and you Ann. I know it is a hard time for  those of you left behind. When my Jim finally let go and went home to God, I was very happy for him.  Jim loved the Lord almost as much as he loved AA. Myself and his and my families never felt left out of his love. I felt a real connection with all of you people in the Thursday afternoon group held at your house. Take care and I will let the prayer chain know  that Terry has gone home to God and all the wonderful AA people that have gone on before him. Love to you and the Family   Lois

6) Dear Family,  Here is the news about Terry we received today.  The first e-mail sent. We shall wear our Green and have a bit of "cheer" on St. Paddy's Day.  It may have to be root "beer" for an old biddy or two like me.  If you have other e-mail addresses pass it on. Love Polly

7) Dear Ann - what a beautiful tribute to Terry.  I am so glad that he was comfortable at hospice and you and Megan were a wonderful caregiving team.  He was always full of wisdom and never hesitated to share this with anyone who asked for his help. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.


8)   Ann Im sorry for the loss of your husband. You're in my prayers. Jon V.

1) Dear Ann We are so sorry to hear about Terry. If you need anything let us know. Talk  to you soon. Sincerely Tina and Will

2)  Hi Ann, sorry to here about Terry's passing, this is Tim Chute from the Mississauga Group. He will be sadly missed, and may God carry you through this tough time. God Bless  Timothy C.

3)  Hello Ann and Family, News of Terry's passing reached us on Wednesday and we are deeply saddened. He was a terrific individual and meant a lot to many. He will be truly missed. As we are currently on holidays and we will not be able to attend Terry's celebration on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and  your family. Sincerely, David and Cassandra   

4) Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Terry. .  My sympathies go with you.  Terry was a great guy and even when one knows that the end is approaching, it is always a shock when it arrives.  He is in with his Higher Power looking down on us and going to that great meeting in the Happy Hunting Grounds.  Percy

5)   Hello Ann.......went on the web-site for Terry....cried my eyes out. The pic's and the music omg!!!Honey I'm so sorry for your loss. If you ever need to talk or laugh or cry you call me Ann.I'll always be there for you. Take care ......Shelley

6) Dear Ann - marion and I extend to you, Meghan, Shane and Ryan our deepest condolences and love. Lorrie and Marion

7) Dearest Ann, I am so very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. My heart goes out to you and Meagan. What a long and brave battle he fought. What a guy! I read the article in the Barrie Newspaper and it was beautiful really in Terry's positive attitude, his beliefs ; so inspirational. I did not know he had the cancer so long. What a loving picture of the two of you. You'll need lots of rest now yourself after such a long journey with Terry. Of course, will remember him and you and Meagan in prayers and especially on St. Patrick's Day in Terry's memory. Much love, Cousin Catherine


8) Dear Ann,  Marg and I and our families send our prayers to you for the loss of Terry. It sounds like, with your help, he fought the good fight. I guess none of us know when we will be taken. It's just a great thing to have a partner, family and friends around at that time.    all of our love Frank and Marg Baxter   


9) Dear Ann and Megan I am so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. I know from his posts on facebook how much he loved you both and how you made him extremely happy. Our sympathies to you both. Love Lynne and Ken Tucker

10)   Dearest Ann,
I am so sorry to learn about Terry's passing. I know that you and your daughter, Meghan, have been by Terry's side supporting him through his illness and I am certain during his final days. He is fortunate to have had you in his life. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I found an article in the Barrie paper about you and Terry and shared it with the family on-line. What a sweet photo of you both. I will certainly raise a toast to a fellow Irishman on St Patrick's Day in remembrance of Terry. Love your cousin, Jane Brownrigg 

       

1) My heart felt condolences to you and your family at this time Mrs. McGowan. You have been a pillar of strength. May God be you and  your family’s  strength,  comfort and  source of peace at this time and always. 

Michelle Chandler

2) I am so saddened to hear of Terry's passing.   He was a source of strength in our programme, the epitome of quiet courage  in his battle with cancer and I am sure a wonderful Husband and Father.   May the Higher Power provide solace to you and assuage the grief in this very  sorrowful time Ann.

Be well, Alex and Deborah Williamson

3) Ann & family:  I am so sorry for your loss.  Throughout both you & Terry have been an inspiration to all your friends and those of us privileged enough to recieve your updates. Larry Tronstad (RCMP-Rtd.)

4) Sorry to hear the sad news.  Mike Dvernechuk.

  5) Thank you Ann for letting us know and my heart goes out to you.  Terry will be missed. Sincerest condolences. Ben Jenkins

6)   Hello Ann. It is with a heavy heart that we accept the news of the passing away of Terry. We will always remember him as a cheerful man caring for his family in a manner he knew best. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your daughter now at this time where you are going to need it most. We ask that the Lords compassion, mercy, guidance and Love will be so vivid in your lives right now to grant you the strength to go on in peace. Thanks Ann. Sorry again to hear this kind of news but he is in a much better place. Let us now celebrate his life. Tony and Adele.
7) Ann,   You have all been in our thoughts and prayers and both you and your  daughter will continue to be in our prayers.  I wanted you to know that  Terry touched many lives through his battle, many times his email update would  arrive at a time of darkness or challenge where I was discouraged then I read  Terry’s update.  Throughout the battle he looked to God and continued to  thank him for everything, he knew that his life was in God’s hands.  He  truly touched not only my life but also the lives of many people through his  witness and courage.  God used Terry and while he has been called home and  there is sadness at his leaving us, I trust you will find comfort knowing that  Terry the lives God has touched through your husband.  With his journey now  at an end he is at home in glory where he is no longer in pain.   Thank you for all you have done. Ron David

8)  A fine man who i enjoyed working with, i was also of his success in the Program, God Bless and know that his struggle is over and he is at peace.   May your Higher Power be with you and your family.   Tom McNamara


9)   Dear Ann
And so the new adventure begins!  What a privilege it was to be with you all yesterday.  Thank you for welcoming me in.  I am praying for you, that The Lord will grant you His peace and presence in a very special way after such a long journey.  Rest in the knowledge that Terry has been welcomed home.  Truly, he has been an inspiration to us all, as have you!
Blessings!  Colin McDonald

10)  ANN, THANX FOR YOUR EMAIL........I M SO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT TERRY PASSING AWAY........I KNOW THAT HE IS AT PEACE AFTER A LONG STRUGGLE WITH THE CANCER THING......IT TRULY IS A HORRIBLE DISEASE. I HAVE KNOW TERRY MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE, WORKING WITH THE MTP.....THEN WE BOTH BECAME FRIENDS OF "BIILL"......AND FOR THE LAST ALMOST 20 YEARS, SENDING FUNNIES TO EACH OTHER VIA EMAIL.....,MANY A LAUGH I HAD OVER THESE EMAILS :-) I MET YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER A FEW YEARS AGO AT A SUNDAY MEETING IN BARRIE.....HE WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU BOTH IN HIS LIFE. I MISS HIM ALREADY.....HE HAS BEEN ON MY MIND CONSTANTLY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS.....AND NOW YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I WONT RAMBLE ON.....JUST KNOW THAT TERRY WAS A WONDERFUL GUY AND I FOR ONE WILL MISS HIM. BE STRONG.....YOUR FRIEND, DON YOUNG

11) My dearest sympathies to you and Megan. My thoughts are with you!  Shannon Bonnar

12)  Holding you close in our hearts, sending our continued love and support to you and Meg both. We shall cherish our many special memories of Terry, raising a baked goodie on Monday during drop-in baking, in celebration of the time spent in friendship and community with him. How honoured we have been to share in your journey, to have been invited into your lives. May you know in the days and weeks ahead that the entire family of Gilda’s Club Simcoe Msukoka surrounds you with support.  Kristen Dawson  


Thank You all for your kind thoughts and words. Ann  

   

... at a favorite lunch spot after a meeting last summer.  The Lois on the left is Sandy's sponsor from BC, and as expected, she just fit right in!  

Sherry and I had the privilege of being invited to Terry and Ann's, Renewal of their Vows last summer. There love for each other was seen by the multitude of friends who came to celebrate this momentous day. I have known Terry for almost 5 years and Sherry met Ann an Terry on this Day. Terry was a piller in the community and a trusted friend. Terry and Ann opened their home to me and made me feel welcomed. We will both miss you Terry, and I know that when ever I'm with Bill W ,you will be there in Spirit. God Bless you and your family.

                                                                              Richard G  and Sherry.D .  

This is a letter to Ann and the Family:

I am a retired 37 year veteran of MTP-TPS and spent many fond years in 1 District and certainly must have run across Terry when I worked in Traffic or years later as a Detective in 11 Division or FIS, but to be honest, I have stared at all his pictures and cannot place him. (That might be more of an indictment on my memory than any reflection on Terry)

My story really has to do with the journey that I embarked upon on December 23rd, 2011 when my dear wife of only 7 years (Patricia) was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer-Liver involved. The dire prognosis of ER doctors was soon replaced with hope and positive energy from the staff at the Stronach Cancer Centre in Newmarket.

Terminal cancer was never an option shared by Patricia and, I suspect, that language really never entered Terry's vocabulary either.  Everyone is pleased with my wife's progress and two surgeries and 8 months of chemotherapy have somewhat weakened her general health, but the cancer seems to be in a position to be dealt a final blow with a concluding surgery in April.

I tell you all of this so that you understand that I have, in a small way, shared your journey with Terry in my own life.

Like the average copper, I'm not that good at talking to people and I am finding that this journey and it's various up and downs, is starting to wear me down.  One very big ray of hope, was when I started to follow Terry's story as he shared his journey, particularly in the final days.

I share your faith and have every confidence that we are both in His Hands, but I am writing this rambling story to say THANKS.  You will never know what reading Terry's letters  has meant for me (and for Pat too) as we travel this road that far too many people these days are forced along.  The strength and love that you two shared with us came shining through the words and are an inspiration and a comfort to us all.  I will never forget this and although, I am unable to be with you on Friday to celebrate his life (Patricia's chemo day) please take some measure of comfort to know that your "old copper" helped "this old copper" and I will have you in my thoughts and prayers.  God Bless and keep you all.