Terry John Gallagher

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Terry John Gallagher who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Terry was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Terry knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Terry was born on May 22, 1940 at London, Ontario. His parents were Edward and Viola. Terry was raised in London, Ontairo. Even as a youngster, Terry learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Terry was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Terry was raised with One. Ted Gallagher. Terry had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Terry, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Terry's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Terry enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Terry took part inBaseball, basketball, golf, football, track, hockey. He was a Scot, many sports clubs. In his spare time he liked all sports and fishing. Terry's memorable achievements included a talent for golf by the age of 15.

      In school, Terry was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Terry was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Terry’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Gym and Math. Captian of High School Baseball and Basketball teams.

      Terry’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Terry’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Terry saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his BA in Accounting from LTS (London Technical School. His favorite courses were Math and Finance. Liked by all, leader on sports teams.

      Terry was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Terry was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Terry came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Larry Fisher and Mike Brenning. Later in life, he became friends with Don Cox, Terry Roos and Howie and Diane.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Terry reveled in the security of his family. On August 22, 1964 Terry exchanged wedding vows with Mary Julie MacDonald at the St. Peters Church of London, Ontario. One of Terry’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Terry was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Terry would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Terry was blessed with 3, Two sons Shawn and Dwayne and a daughter Terri-Lynn. They were also blessed with 1, Nathan.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Terry was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Terry was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Terry upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Accountant for the Government of Ontario. He was employed for 32 years with Civil Service. Terry was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Terry was in the Royal Canadian Navy 1961-1964. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. In Ottawa, Halifax and UK. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant (Lt(N)).

      Terry approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hunting, golf, horse races and bowling. Terry was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Terry to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Almost all sports. In his college years, Terry continued to stay active by golfing, track and baseball. Recreational sports included golf, bowling, fishing and hunting. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf,hockey and baseball.

      A civic-minded person, Terry was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Terry was a Conservative Member. During these years, Terry applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Terry could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Terry; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included many sporting awards throughout his life.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Terry used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Terry had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Sauble Beach, Myrtle Beach and Florida.

      Terry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Terry’s favorites was He had many beagles through out his life. They were best friends for from age 24-68.

      When Terry’s retirement finally arrived in 1996 from the civil service, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Cambridge, Ontario. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf and fishing. In many ways, Terry loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Terry passed away on March 19, 2016 at sunnyside home Kitchener, Ontario. Died peacefully in his sleep from a hert attack. He is survived by his wife Julie, sons Shawn and Dwayne and daughter Terri-Lynn and grandson Nathan and brother Ted. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home Cambridge, Ontario.

      All who knew him would agree that Terry was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Terry John Gallagher did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Home Kitchener on Saturday March 19, 2016 in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Julie MacDonald. Loving father of Shawn of Cambridge, Dwayne (Sepideh) living in Asia, and Terri-Lynn Jansen (Tim) of Cambridge. Also survived by his grandson Nathan Jansen, and his brother Ted Gallagher (Linda) of London. Terry was born on May 22, 1940 in London, Ontario and has lived in Cambridge since 1974. He was retired from Guelph Correctional Centre. The family will receive friends at Coutts Funeral Home 96 St. Andrews St. Cambridge on Wednesday March 23, 2016 from 1 to 2 P. M. followed by a service in the chapel at 2 P. M. Cremation to follow. Friends and family are invited to sign Terry’s book of condolences at www.couttsfuneralhome.com.