Terrance Glenn Hamel, passed away unexpectedly on April 20th, 2023, at Broadmead Lodge. He was 67 years young, born in Vancouver on November 3rd, 1955.
Terry leaves behind his loving wife Sandra Caunce, his stepchildren Jason French (Jessica) and Jaclynne French and his adoring grandchildren Addison, Alayna, Campbell, Colter. Terry is also survived by older brother Lloyd (Sandra), twin sister Beverly Mathieson (Ron) and younger sister Debbie (Jeanne) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Terry grew up in Richmond BC. After graduating from high school, he obtained a civil engineering degree from UBC in 1979. His civil engineering career saw him delivering many construction projects in Alberta and BC with him settling in Victoria where he worked on many Vancouver Island infrastructure projects.
As much as Terry enjoyed his professional career his life passions were family, horses, skiing and scotch whisky. Terry’s love of horses started at a young age in Richmond where along with his twin sister and father Ernie participated in local gymkhanas right through university. After graduation wherever his professional career took him, his horses followed.
Terry learned to ski at Mount Seymour graduating to Whistler during his university days. His skiing adventures took him around the world, from skiing the alps in Europe with John to patrolling the mountain at Fernie with Mike and even volunteering as a member of the first aid team at the Calgary Olympics.
His passion for the mountains didn’t end at the ski hill, spending countless days exploring Kananaskis Country, the Nicola Valley, and the rest of southern B.C. on his favourite horses Kokanee and Sabino with his wife Sandy, always making sure they never got lost.
A highlight of every new year was Terry’s hosting of a whisky fest with a dozen of his like-minded compatriots.
Terry never backed down from a challenge, whether it was a cliff jump while cat skiing or navigating the terrain of the Rocky Mountains on a horse. He brought that attitude to his toughest fight of all with Parkinson’s Disease, never letting it take away his zest for life. He loved looking through old photos and reminiscing with friends, always cherishing the memories of friends and family and their adventures.
We would like to thank the staff at Broadmead Veteran’s Lodge for caring for Terry this last year and a half.
Should you choose to leave an expression of remembrance, please consider a donation to Fernie Adaptive Snowsport, Therapeutic Riding or the Parkinson Canada Society.
A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in the Sequioa Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
For those unable to attend in person, you are invited to attend virtually via zoom, by clicking the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83164774885?pwd=cVZpZFdGMUZlc1Y0MVEzTXlqam1Bdz09
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kristin Hoel
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Peri Mehling I was greatly saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. Iain and I have thought of him often over the last couple of years as he coped courageously with Parkinson’s and as we dealt with our own health issues. I have great memories of earlier times, and how at home he looked whenever on skis, or a horse.
Our condolences to Sandy and the family.
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Ted Simmons Dear Sandy and family, I as many others in the community involved with horses are very sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy to see friends, whether they are two legged or four get older and pass, due to illness or debilitating disease. It was a pleasure to have know him. Bless you all and may his memory always be a fond one.
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Paul Zinn Dearest Sandy,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your loving husband and of our friend Terry. His sharp wit and fun loving nature will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lots of Love & Big Hugs,
Paul
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Susan Tanner I have only known Terry this past year, but I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him. My mother lives at The Broadmead Lodge, a few doors down from Terry’s lovely room. Whenever I would pass his door, or see him in the dining room, he would give me a wave and ask how things were going. He did show me his picture album of his family and his past escapades, which brought me insight into his past life. We compared notes on our grandchildren’s ages and sporting activities. He was a good friend to my Mom, and she will miss him. I will miss him too. My condolences to his family. He will not be forgotten.
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Scott Baldwin So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. The Engineering fraternity has lost one of it’s finest. Terry wore his reds proudly and he played an instrumental role in the leadership of the class of ’79. I have many great memories of our times together at UBC. I remember Terry as being fiercely competitive on the playing field, yet afterwards he would joyfully hoist a frosty with his adversaries and colleagues alike. He was a true gentleman.
With deepest condolences to all of Terry’s family.
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Daphne & Jack Panter Sandy and family – we are so sorry for your sudden loss.
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Alan Boreham I was so sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. We were classmates at UBC, and shared some good times.
I also appreciate the comment about how Terry loved adventure. I remember joining Terry and John for a day of skiing fresh powder at Mt. Washington back in the late ’70s, and it was a challenge to keep up with him!
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
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Beth Haggerty Connecting first in high school, I never expected that we’d become life-long November birthday buddies after Terry married one of my dearest friends, Sandy. Terry loved to tease, and my sons and I, became targets of his witty knack for jest whenever we’d visit. He had a heart of gold and reached out with help and encouragement when least expected. I’m truly grateful that I could call Terry my friend. His presence will be sadly missed but not forgotten. My sincerest sympathies to Sandy and all of the family.
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was such a pleasure and I loved to tell people of the man that could barely walk but would get on his horse. Hats off to you Terry!