Terence Michael William Stanford

The family of Terry Stanford of Scarborough, Ontario is saddened to announce his passing on September 30, 2023 at the age of 91 years.

Terence (Terry) was preceded in death by his wife Anne, daughter Caron, and special friend Esther. He is survived by his children Mark, David, and Jennifer (Trent), and his five treasured grandchildren; Callum & Brooke, Alex & Hannah and Isaac; along with grandpup Laguna.

Born in London, England on June 27, 1932, Terry attended St. Dominic Prep School, in Hastings England. There he experienced the nightly raids by German planes flying over the school at very low altitude. While on a school trip to the beach he also witnessed a German air attack on a civilian convoy prior to the German assault on France. Soon after, he returned home when the school was relocated due to the war. He went to live with his maternal grandparents and stayed in London throughout the Blitz, an experience that greatly shaped his life thereafter.

Terry served with the RAF National Service 1950-1952 in the Air Transport Command with postings in Liverpool, Winchester, and Malta. In 1953 he emigrated to Canada via Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia before making his way to Toronto, Ontario. It was in Toronto that he met his future wife, Anne Joan Gifford. They married on August 1, 1959. Terry served with the Toronto Police Department for several years before joining the Toronto Social Services Department. He went on to work for the City of Scarborough and the Scarborough Fire Department from where he retired in 1993. Upon retirement he volunteered at Centenary Hospital for a number of years.

In 1969 the growing family moved to the community of West Rouge in the east end of Scarborough to a beautiful property backing on to the Rouge Valley, now known as the Rouge Urban National Park. The family spent much of their time in “the valley” walking their dogs (Zeta & Nugget), hiking the trails, and skating on Centre Pond. For many years the family also kept a seasonal camp at Edgewater Beach in Haliburton where many great family memories were made. During March each year, the family would pack into their big green station wagon and drive to Cocoa Beach, Florida; beginning a love affair with the Florida coast that would last for many years between Terry, Anne and their children. In 1985 the family had a pool installed in the backyard, an addition that would keep the older kids closer to home for a bit longer. It is was in the Rouge that the Stanford family were blessed with neighbours who became like family.

Terry was a long-time supporter of Chalice, the Canadian Catholic International Aid Society. It was through Chalice that Terry supported three youth; Gloria, Cosmas and most recently Bernacio.

A personal note from Terry: A salute to a grand old Scotsman, Sir Harry Lauder. I share these words beloved by my grandfather, Bill Perkins, in his memory and my love of him.

“Keep right on to the end of the road

Keep right on to the end

If the way be long, let your heart be strong,

Keep right on round the bend.

If you’re tired and weary still journey on,

Till you come to your happy abode,

Where all you love that you’re dreaming of

Will be there at the end of the road.”

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Highland Creek, 200 Morrish Road, Toronto, ON, M1C 1E8.

Terry asked that in lieu of flowers, those so inclined are encouraged to donate to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to the 3West staff at Craiglee Nursing Home for your kind and loving care in making Terry’s final months comfortable.