Terry James Wheeler
It is with profound sadness that the family of Terry James Wheeler announce his unexpected passing on January 4th, 2021 in Leduc, AB at the age of 66 years due to natural causes.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Jennifer (Mark) and Lisa (Steve); cherished grandson Henry; brothers Bob (Dallas), Dan (Charmaine), and Dave; former spouse Debora; as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Kenneth, mother Bernice, and brother Allan.
Growing up in Lethbridge, Terry was surrounded by his brothers, numerous cousins, and an abundance of friends. He considered himself lucky to hold on to many of these relationships throughout his life. From a young age he held a vast array of knowledge and was truly a Jack of all trades. He spoke fondly of his summers spent being a leader at church camp, especially overnight trips to Waterton. There was a special place in his heart for all things cowboy related; he had an affinity for wearing cowboy boots and devoured western novels and movies.
Terry worked many years in the oil and gas industry, travelling the backroads of Alberta and beyond. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, and especially loved volunteering with his daughters’ many extra curricular activities. He easily made friends wherever he went and always had a joke and a story or two to share. Terry enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including golfing, camping, and cycling, especially with family and friends. He loved crossword puzzles, was a voracious reader, and loved to listen to audiobooks and music while he was on the road.
Terry’s passing has left an unfillable hole in many lives, but we will remember him as he would have wanted, full of laughter and life. His greatest joy was his family, and the close bond he shared with his brothers and extended family was cherished. By far the favorite role he ever held was that of father to his two daughters whom he was immeasurably proud of. He never let an opportunity to brag about them go to waste. It was only surpassed by his absolute joy and pride at being a grandpa and he loved sharing the latest photos and videos of his grandson. He will be missed.
Stories and memories of Terry are preferred over condolences. In lieu of flowers the family would request a donation made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice. No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a memorial is scheduled.
I can’t even put a number to the many times he visited me at Starbucks. He was always so cheerful and brought a smile to everyone’s faces. The many stories he shared will be remembered. He was a father figure to me, and will be greatly missed.
You girls did a fantastic job you’re Dad would be W
oW proud I’m pretty dam proud to thank you for everything you have done fantastic love Uncle Dave 😎
As children , the five Wheeler boys and us three Wallace girls grew up together. We spent every summer in Lethbridge. My memories of Terry were singing country tunes at our Grandmas birthday parties and his huge laugh. He was extremely good to our dad, his Uncle Dick, he was always there to help out and give a hand. A cousin but more like a brother to me. Loved him very much.
So sorry Jennifer and Lisa for your loss.
Cousin Joey
Terry was 3rd born in a house of 4 other brothers, he had a zest for life and was loved by all that knew him. When he was selling well equipment he was required to take his clients golfing. He wasn’t the greatest golfer but he told me it worked out good, when his clients beat him at a game they would buy more equipment. Terry truly loved his daughters and especially his new grandson Henry, we all got showered with photos and up dates as little Henry was progressing.
We are heart broken for the loss of our brother, lm hoping he is with all our family that passed and is looking down on us taking it all in.
Love you brother
Dan , Charmaine and Sam
Terry andI hung around as teenagers and of course lived just across the street from each other. We were so fortunate to have our cousins living in such close proximity as it was a great friend base and a big family core. I remember Terry getting all dressed up every Sunday and going to church.
He talked about his girls all the time and was so thrilled when Henry was born. He could hardly wait to hold him and looked forward to babysitting when he got older. You will be missed Terry. So glad you found your way back into our lives the past few years.
Good guy
It was all ways a good day when terry would visit me at my rig
Even if I wasn’t looking for any thing to buy
He would never go by my rig without stopping by for coffee and A good BS session
Terry was a good guy to have known
He will be missed
It was truly a surprise to hear of Terry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the he whole Family.
“Totco” Terry was a very well known name in the alberta oilpatch. i had the pleasure of knowing and working with Terry for years at Chimo Equipment and at Varco Canada.
Fun loving guy with an easy smile and a joke within easy reach any time. Sleep well brother, i will not forget you.
Best Regards to your family.
Amanda and I have very fond memories of Terry from our childhood. He always made us feel welcome in the Wheeler home. We were laughing about how he would always shout at Amanda when she was playing soccer “Are those your legs or are you riding on a chicken?” I remember the complicated k’nex structures the family would build in the basement. I think there was a large motorized Ferris wheel at one point. I remember listening to the Beach Boys, Kokomo is still one of my favourite songs. Amanda recalls eating subs at the house and that the Wheelers always had the good sub buns.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Brittney and Amanda
Terry surprised me with visit as he travelled home from the west coast in the fall of 2019. We talked and laughed and enjoyed bringing up old memories. In the short time he was there, it was like the space between visits had disappeared. We hadn’t seen each other for many years, but that didn’t matter, he was Terry just as he had always been. We had made plans the keep in contact and plan a visit on my next trip through Alberta. I am forever grateful for those few hours of laughing and reconnecting with my cousin, now a treasured memory. Hugs to his family, he was filled with pride when spoke about you. Love to his brothers and his friends , Terry will be remembered.
Keep laughing, I can hear you.
Terry no matter what was happening always had a smile on his face and his laugh was so infectious.His positive attitude affected everyone he met. He was an exceptional friend and coworkers or many years . He will be dearly missed
I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. When Nestor and I went to Auntie Bernies house, if the boys were there it was the highlight of our trip. They were always fun, happy to see you and a crazy, fun bunch to be around. I never knew he had 2 daughters. I have nothing but fond memories of all those guys and the fun times we had. Terry will be truly missed.
Totco Terry taught me alot when I first started at M/D Totco. He was always teaching , had great stories, and became a great friend. I always remember him saying his goal was ensure that him and the girls would hit every water slide in western Canada. The balance of work and spending time with his kids was a great teaching in life. A work ethic that many of us strive to achieve. He always listened to books , gaining knowledge when driving the oil patch roads well have done. Well done Terry, As the Vince Gill songs says …Go rest high on that mountain……
I am so sorry for the loss of Terry. I have many fond childhood memories of Terry. One was going to, I think, the Ukrainian village or some place like that and my dad and terry being very silly, joking around. Another memory is going camping and terry teaching Jen and I a poem that If Said wrong could sound like swears. To my 10 year old brain that was the coolest thing! I could go on but just know Jen and Lisa that your dad leaves a great legacy in you! He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing <3
Growing up with Jen, my childhood is filled with so many memories of Terry from "Turbo" car rides, singing 'My Achy Breaky Heart' at the top of our lungs, camping trips, to the nicknames he gave us when we were little that stuck with us forever 🙂
It's because of Terry and the sour lemon candies he always brought back, that I have a high tolerance for all sour things to this day! 😀
Sending love to Jen, Lisa and his family
Caitlin (a.k.a. Clem)
Terry was a wonderful friend to myself, husband and children in the years our families were growing up. We went on some very fun and memorable trips, camping to Fort Steele and spending New Years in Canmore to name a couple. Terry loved playing card games and we had so many laughs. His first priority was to pay attention to the kids and bug them with dad jokes! He is forever a part of our family history. I know he will live on in his beautiful daughters and now grandson as well.
Sincerest condolences to the Wheeler family and friends.
Terry and I worked in the same facility for several years, and i always looked forward to the funny stories of the past within the business and personal tidbits that always made me chuckle.
Terry and I stayed in touch be just by travelling in the same circles in and around Leduc, even meeting up somewhere is the province by chance was always a welcome break to the day.
Goodbye Terry, you will be sadly missed.
I can’t imagine a family that was closer than ours growing up. The Wallaces moved to Calgary in 1965 but we spent every summer in Lethbridge. The bond that was developed between our cousins is unbreakable. As kids, we were often gone from morning until supper time on all sorts of adventures. Terry was very smart and could fix almost anything. He was always willing to help; we moved often and Terry was always one of the first in line to give a hand with the move. The last couple of years we were able to speak often and saw each other more than we previously had as adults. Our discussions covered lots of ground from politics, family, reminiscing about old times, and more often than not, discussions about Jenn, Lisa and little Henry. A few of us had just become grandparents. We shared pictures and we loved stories and pictures of little Henry. There was not a prouder Grandpa than Terry. I will miss him and loved him dearly. A big piece of our family is gone.
Keep in touch with us Jenn and Lisa. My heart goes out to you.
In the last year Terry had shown so much interest in my baby Charlotte. We texted back and forth and I was lucky enough to receive lots of updates on Henry. Many pictures and videos were exchanged! Terry made such a big effort to make sure he got a gift for Charlotte when she was born and mentioned often of how he hoped to meet her post Covid. He was always so proud to share each new milestone and hear about Charlottes as well. What a fantastic and loving Grandpa (and cousin!)
Victoria and Charlotte (Wallace family)
Growing up with Jen and going to so many events and outings together, Terry was always there with us. So many wonderful memories. He was definitely someone that knew how to have fun, and was able to be serious when needed. I have so many memories of Terry driving us to different camps, and helping us with our Guiding meetings and everything that was involved.
I always laughed at his Dad jokes, no matter how many times I had heard the same ones, he just always loved to have people laughing and happy.
Terry is someone I’ll never forget. He was always such a kind hearted, caring and wonderful man.
My heart, and thoughts go out to Jen, Lisa, and his family, though he is gone, he’s never forgotten. He will always be with us in memories.
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Jennifer and Lisa as well to their extended family as well to the rest of the Wheeler family. Terry was a brother to me as well; after all we only met 60 years ago in Grade 1 and stayed best friends since that time. I have so many happy memories and he will always live in my heart. I think that the one thing that makes for a successful person is the positive difference you make in the lives of others. Terry was one of the most successful men I ever knew. Rest in peace, Terry, going to miss you.
So sorry to hear about your dad, Lisa and Jen. A sad time for you both and your families. We remember days past when you were young when we visited with your dad and mom at your home, and the times we went camping. On one trip camping at Mt Kidd, our two families biked and hiked, played cards, and enjoyed the campfires. Terry was always so friendly and helpful and sure liked the outdoors. Keep all your cherished memories close in your hearts. Sincere thoughts, John and Laura