Robert Terry McCully

He was predeceased by his mother Lee-Ann Lyons, his biological father Roy Patton, and his older brother Alan.

Terry was a devoted and loving husband to Dinah, beloved father to Emma Isobel Lyons, and proud “Dad” to his dachshunds, Bella and Robbie. Terry’s entire life was one of courage, curiosity, and devotion. A fighter in every sense of the word, he carried his warrior spirit from his days proudly serving in the Canadian military with the Nova Scotia Highlanders, straight through years of studying multiple martial arts, and right into his final days.

Terry was not only a soldier, but also a keeper of memories. With unwavering dedication, he became his family’s historian; restoring long-forgotten photographs, researching his lineage, and even solving familial mysteries of past generations. His passion for remembrance led him across the world: to Normandy and Flanders Fields, and to lay wreaths at the grave of his great-grandfather in France. He held veterans close to his heart and wore the poppy as his symbol, a daily reminder of sacrifice and legacy.

His love for heritage lived on at home as well. Terry instilled pride in Scottish tradition in his daughter Emma, sharing with her the sounds of bagpipes and the beauty of highland dancing. He served as Vice President of Calgary Highland Dance and took great joy in seeing Emma carry on the traditions he so deeply cherished.

A man of boundless interests, Terry was an avid photographer, scuba diver, skydiver, motorcyclist, home-brewer, and collector of medals and memorabilia. He had a restless curiosity about the cosmos, forever looking up in wonder and passing along that sense of awe and imagination to his brother Ben McCully.

His life’s journey and work in the oilfield carried him across continents; from Africa, Asia, Europe, and all over North America. Yet he always returned to the comforts that rooted him: family, history, his pride in Nova Scotia, and Christmas. Like his mother before him, he made the season magical through the visual of lights and decoration, the scents of food and baking; weaving love into tradition.

Terry leaves behind a legacy of courage, heritage, and remembrance. He was a fighter to the end, but more than that, he was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and honoured the past while inspiring the future.

His family extends eternal gratitude to the entire staff of Arthur Child Cancer Centre, specifically the team of oncologists, palliative doctors, and nurses who cared for him in the final weeks. And deepest gratitude to family and friends in Canada and in the Philippines for prayers and support that brought us comfort and peace in a great time of sorrow.

Donations in Terry’s memory can be made to Wellspring Alberta, giving support to people living with cancer at Wellspring Alberta 1404 Home Road NW, Calgary, AB T3M 1G7 or online at https://wellspring.ca/alberta/ways-to-give/donate/.

Burial will occur in Nova Scotia at a later date, there will be no service until then.