It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.
Terry was cherished by his wife of 51 years, Heather, and by his children, Brian (Nicole) Rogers, and Tammy (Jeremy) Kerr as well as his grandchildren Danielle (Steven) Laitinen, Kathryn and Amy Rogers; Sarah and Matthew Kerr. Terry’s treasured grandchildren were his pride and joy. Terry will be sadly missed by his brothers, Charles (Joyce) Rogers of Winnipeg, Mb and Richard (Carol) Rogers of Nanton, Alta as well as his sisters in law, Sharon (Gary) Sinclair and Maureen Henderson, both of Victoria, BC.
Terry was born into a military family and was the middle son of the late Harold and Rhoda Rogers of Stewiacke, NS. As an Officer Cadet at Royal Roads Military College, he met, then after Graduation married Heather. Terry’s 35-year military career took the family on many memorable journeys with postings from NS to Florida to Ontario, and saving the best for last — Beautiful BC. His integrity and remarkable abilities were not only a lesson to his family but were also recognized by the military. Career highlights included C.O. of VP407 Sqdn and his appointment as Commander of 19 Wing, Comox. After retirement, Terry joined 3E Training, a position he enjoyed immensely on account of his colleagues. Terry also served 2 terms on the Board of Community Living Victoria in honour of Maureen and her housemates.
Travel, golf, gardening, and walking became Terry’s retirement hobbies, however, his love and devotion to his children and his grandchildren surpassed all else. Family events always became a cause for Celebration and he never turned down an opportunity to attend a grandchild’s piano or dance recital or hockey game — he was an avid fan of all they do. His sense of humour, kindness and happiness serve as reminders for all of us to truly enjoy the time we share with one another. Terry inspired us to travel and took us on so many amazing trips. He taught us to work hard to accomplish our goals. And he taught us that Family always comes first. Terry left us much too early, but our cherished memories and the love we share are with us until we meet again.
“ I love you and don’t you forget it”.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Terry’s name can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation https://bccancerfoundation.com/ or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
45 Responses
Heather and family, I share the pain that you all have gone through with the loss of Terry. My heart aches for the loss of my long time friend. The vivid memories of those early days at Royal Roads, the stand-down weekend partying, the tragic accident on Pender Island, your wedding in Victoria, and various visits over the years. Even though we didn’t see as much of each other after graduation, when we did meet, the value of our friendship always resurfaced. Much love from Paulette and me and may God be your guide through this time of sorrow.
Kathy and Denny Thomas
To Heather, Brian, Tammy and all the family; our deepest sympathy on your loss. Terry truly was one of the good guys.
Terry was a very capable leader and mentor both in the military and later in civilian life; as those that served with him have attested. I believe that one of the main reasons for his success in life and the respect he earned was because he remembered that family and the person always needed to be considered, despite our military calling.
His sense of humor, especially when things were rough, got us through many a task.
Memories of Terry, of service together, sailing trips and visits over the years will stay with us and bring us smiles and happiness.
We will toast him well and miss him often.
I remember well Terry from 407 sqdn and 19 wing days. Anne & I wish to pass on our sincere condolences to Heather and Family. When we can gather again in Comox with our retired VP friends, we will hoist a drink to Terry in memory of the good times on the Demon squadron.
Anne & Bernie Poole
Moe Palahicky
It was a sad day for Lori & I to learn of Terry’s passing. From high school in Camp Borden to discussing snowbird retirement plans and occasions in between I’ve got fond memories of Terry.He used his wisdom and success better than most of his peers. A good man gone too soon. Our thoughts & prayers go to Heather and family – Rick & Charlie. Moe
Brian and I send our deepest condolences to Heather, and Tammy and Brian and their families. Terry was a devoted family man and he especially loved sharing stories of his grandchildren.
We met Terry through work at Three E Training, and over the years he and Heather became good friends. In retirement, we were golf buddies and he will be sorely missed on the course.
Terry was always a gentleman and was very well respected no matter where he was or what he was doing. He was an intelligent, astute, and natural leader and by virtue of his own behaviour, he set the bar very high for everyone else. He made us all better for knowing him and he made the world a better place.
Rest in peace, Terry. We will miss you.
Leslie and Brian
My condolences to Charlie and Joyce. Memories of you two in Summerside are still clear in my mind. Losing a brother as you have has to be difficult and my thoughts go out to all the family especially Heather and the children. I never met Terry but in reading all the tributes I can see how much he was loved and appreciated. Charlie, as I recall you, I see the similarity to your brother and I share your grief. Take the views shared by his friends and family as how he lived his life. Rest in Peace Terry and my deepest condolences to you and Joyce, Ad Metam, Chuck O’Neill.
My deepest condolences to Heather and family; Terry was without a doubt one of the “good guys”. Although we were not on the same Argus crew back in Greenwood, we saw each other often at the Officers’ Mess. Terry was simply an all round great person and a pleasure to be with. He had a profound positive influence on many people and will be sorely missed.
Heather, Tammy and Brian – Linda and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers. I know the hole that the loss of Terry creates in your lives and the lives of your extended families. Terry and I first met in “Room 206” nearly 56 years ago – seems like yesterday – and remained connected through our many adventures over the years. May God give you comfort with the many happy memories you have of this fine human being and excellent RCAF officer. Ad Astra.
Terry was the best of neighbours and simply a very good man. It was a pleasure to see him enjoying his grandchildren, his gardening, his walks and his hammock. He was pleasant and friendly to all who passed by his yard on their walks.
A special bond developed between Terry and our miniature poodle Carmel and she would happily sit and watch him mow his lawn for eons. Their frequent greetings always brought smiles to our faces. He will be sadly missed and invite Heather to call on our support if needed.
Dear Heather and family,
We offer you comfort during these tender days and the knowledge that Terry made a difference to the lives of all he encountered. We came to know Terry as our neighbour for several years and considered ourselves very fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of his warm welcome, easy conversation and ready smile. We wish him peace, and we are grateful for having known his kindness.