Terence McDONOUGH

McDONOUGH, Terence
July 15, 1938 – Banff, Alberta
May 3, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with immense sadness we announce that our hero and family leader, Terence (Terry) Edmund McDonough passed away in Calgary May 3, 2017. Born July 1938 in Banff, Alberta, only son of Edmund and Mona McDonough. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Sherry McDonough (nee Lynch-Staunton), his sons Stephen McDonough (Bonnie Curran), Michael McDonough (Jill McDonough), daughter, Shannon Huygens (John Huygens) and nine grandchildren whom he adored - Jackson McDonough, Kennedy McDonough, Maximilien McDonough, Noah McDonough, Allie McDonough, Macy Jane Huygens, Abbey Mae Huygens, Danielle McDonough, and Blake Huygens.
Terry was a going concern and always on the move. Up at the crack of dawn, he seemed to cram two days of activity into one 24-hour period. Usually the first to initiate or volunteer on new projects, he approached every day with optimism, enthusiasm and energy. He supported his family with great pride and was the biggest cheerleader for anything any one of us became involved in. He was always first to the hospital for the birth of a grandchild; first to offer a ride to the airport (or a 3 a.m. pickup); first one in the seats at a game or performance to cheer us on. Terry's constant availability and support served as a great example to his children and grandchildren. These qualities are not lost on them and they have big shoes to fill.
Husband, Father, Grand Dad, Pilot, Volunteer, Entrepreneur, Friend, – Terry filled many roles and did so at full-speed. He offered his time selflessly. If his family or friends had a problem or a need, a call to Terry got things happening. He was a member of Rotary Club South Calgary with 100% attendance at weekly meetings for over 40+ years. He was a proud recipient of Calgary Stampede Honorary Life Membership for commitment and efforts on the Calgary Stampede Downtown Attractions Committee. A member of Canadian Petroleum Engineers Association, Calgary Flying Club, Calgary Petroleum Club, Calgary Golf & Country Club, and Southern Alberta Pioneers Society. Terry lived a full, impactful life and his legacy will continue.
Terry loved his many friends and made a point of consistently reaching out with genuine interest and concern as to their well-being. If things weren't okay, he was the one guy anyone could count on to help make things right. As in every facet of his life, he faithfully found a way to make a difference in the lives of so many.
Terry was an accomplished pilot and made his living for many years as a bush pilot or 'Flying Mudman' in Northern Canada. He had many colourful stories to tell about those days and he was only too happy to share them over coffee or a dinner party. He was skillful, experienced, and safe but he sure could get a reaction from those hearing of his adventures. Happily, each of those stories ended with a perfect 3-point landing of his airplane. He continued flying as a hobby and was quick to help a friend reach a destination at any time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to honour Terry by emulating what he embodied: reach out to someone you haven't contacted lately, check in with your friends or find a simple way to make another person's day. If you feel so inclined, donations to the South Calgary Rotary Club would be appreciated to advance the Rotary Annual Arbor Day tree planting program in which Terry was so proud to Chair.
The family would like to thank everyone who has offered condolences and assistance, particularly the Staff at the Foothills Hospital Stroke Unit who treated Terry with kindness and immense compassion. We ask you to update your Will and Advanced Directives as a final gift to your loved ones.
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Terry McDonough, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.