Terry grew up in Indian Head attending Indian Head High School. He enjoyed and excelled at community sports, including hockey and baseball.

On February 10, 1966, Terry, who was only 17, joined the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Terry had an extremely dedicated and successful career within the Canadian Armed Forces after completing his initial training in Kingston, ON. With postings to Calgary, Germany (Lahr), Shilo, Winnipeg, Halifax, Borden and Ottawa, he excelled in every role asked of him as a lineman and leader. He was very proud of his teams and mentored many young linemen along the way as Line Team member, Section Non-Commissioned Officer, Line Crew Foreman or as Line Superintendent at 73 Communications Group. On his promotion to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), he had the distinction of being appointed DISO Command CWO and Vice Chief of Defence Staff Group CWO. During his career, he was able to complete Basic Parachutist Course and serve with 1 Signals Squadron Jump Team, in support of the PPCLI.

Terry was an avid sportsman during his career participating in golf, hockey, curling and bowling. In retirement, Terry enjoyed spending summers at the lake with his grandchildren, instilling values and work ethic. A consistent volunteer and dedicated to his community, Terry worked supporting the Indian Head Museum and the Indian Head Legion, serving as president.

Terry was predeceased by his father Robert John; mother Myrtle Ilene (nee McClean); brother Patrick; sister Donna and baby son David.

He loved his family very much and is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife Sharon; daughters Shannon and Patricia and his grandchildren: Robert, Christopher, Bayleigh and Devon.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.