Obituary for Terry MacElwain
Richard “Terry” MacElwain
October 30, 1949 – November 11, 2022
Terry MacElwain passed away in Calgary, AB on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the age of 73. Terry will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Leslie; children, Rick (Karen) and Jeanne (Chris); and seven grandchildren, Alex, Josh, Travis, Elijah, Jesse, Trinity and Cooper; as well as his brothers Bob, David, Chris (Terri) and sister Ruthanne. He was predeceased by his Mother (Thelma) and Father (Jim).
Terry married Leslie Gonyea in 1971 in Riverview, New Brunswick. They moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1972. They were married for over 50 years and their love for each other was always evident. Their time together included many adventures both together and with their two children. This also included camping together and travel to numerous countries such as Germany, Costa Rica and the United States. His love for his wife Leslie was second only to his love for the Lord. In 1980 Terry re-dedicated his life to the Lord. He chose to live a life of service to the Lord and his family. At this time, he also quit smoking and drinking. He ministered through the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship and was very active in the church as an elder as well as in other positions. He loved to listen to gospel music, with his favourite group being the Gaither Gospel quartet.
His longest career was in the flooring industry where he started as an installer, eventually owning and operating his own flooring business until 2003. After that, Terry had his second career which was his true working passion, ranching. He had a cow/calf operation on a half section of land and loved that life. The farm afforded many opportunities to gather with family and friends and he truly enjoyed the time he was able to spend with them and with his grandchildren. Due to health concerns Terry retired from the farm and moved back into the city in 2013.
Terry had many ups and downs with his health. He had a cancer scare in his knee in 2003. In 2005 he broke his neck in a cement truck rollover and had to wear a “halo” screwed into his skull for three months. Following this he was dependent on oxygen for the next seven years. In an effort for treatment he had a stem cell transplant in Israel in 2010; and eventually a double lung transplant in 2013 that afforded him many extra years. In the last years he endured numerous falls and hospital visits.
There were also many highlights in his life. Some of these included skydiving, running 4 marathons, visiting Europe, obtaining two scuba diving certifications, as well as serving on a mission with Samaritan’s Purse to build a church in Nicaragua. In 2000, he was one of the “city slickers” who brought the bucking broncos by horseback from the Stampede ranch in Hanna, AB to the Calgary Stampede, and then rode in the Calgary Stampede Parade. Additionally, he went on a solitary bike ride from Calgary to Regina; and got his Class 1 license in 2004 to augment the family farming income.
It was a good life full of love, laughter, adventure and trials. Through it all Leslie was by his side and God was good and faithful!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to Alberta Transplant Program.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Simpson Hall at the Foothills Alliance Church (333 Edgepark Boulevard NW, Calgary, AB). For those who are not able to attend the service, you are also able to watch via LiveStream at either LiveStream Link.
To view and share photos, condolences, and memories of Terry, visit www.choicememorial.com.
October 30, 1949 – November 11, 2022
Terry MacElwain passed away in Calgary, AB on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the age of 73. Terry will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Leslie; children, Rick (Karen) and Jeanne (Chris); and seven grandchildren, Alex, Josh, Travis, Elijah, Jesse, Trinity and Cooper; as well as his brothers Bob, David, Chris (Terri) and sister Ruthanne. He was predeceased by his Mother (Thelma) and Father (Jim).
Terry married Leslie Gonyea in 1971 in Riverview, New Brunswick. They moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1972. They were married for over 50 years and their love for each other was always evident. Their time together included many adventures both together and with their two children. This also included camping together and travel to numerous countries such as Germany, Costa Rica and the United States. His love for his wife Leslie was second only to his love for the Lord. In 1980 Terry re-dedicated his life to the Lord. He chose to live a life of service to the Lord and his family. At this time, he also quit smoking and drinking. He ministered through the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship and was very active in the church as an elder as well as in other positions. He loved to listen to gospel music, with his favourite group being the Gaither Gospel quartet.
His longest career was in the flooring industry where he started as an installer, eventually owning and operating his own flooring business until 2003. After that, Terry had his second career which was his true working passion, ranching. He had a cow/calf operation on a half section of land and loved that life. The farm afforded many opportunities to gather with family and friends and he truly enjoyed the time he was able to spend with them and with his grandchildren. Due to health concerns Terry retired from the farm and moved back into the city in 2013.
Terry had many ups and downs with his health. He had a cancer scare in his knee in 2003. In 2005 he broke his neck in a cement truck rollover and had to wear a “halo” screwed into his skull for three months. Following this he was dependent on oxygen for the next seven years. In an effort for treatment he had a stem cell transplant in Israel in 2010; and eventually a double lung transplant in 2013 that afforded him many extra years. In the last years he endured numerous falls and hospital visits.
There were also many highlights in his life. Some of these included skydiving, running 4 marathons, visiting Europe, obtaining two scuba diving certifications, as well as serving on a mission with Samaritan’s Purse to build a church in Nicaragua. In 2000, he was one of the “city slickers” who brought the bucking broncos by horseback from the Stampede ranch in Hanna, AB to the Calgary Stampede, and then rode in the Calgary Stampede Parade. Additionally, he went on a solitary bike ride from Calgary to Regina; and got his Class 1 license in 2004 to augment the family farming income.
It was a good life full of love, laughter, adventure and trials. Through it all Leslie was by his side and God was good and faithful!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to Alberta Transplant Program.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Simpson Hall at the Foothills Alliance Church (333 Edgepark Boulevard NW, Calgary, AB). For those who are not able to attend the service, you are also able to watch via LiveStream at either LiveStream Link.
To view and share photos, condolences, and memories of Terry, visit www.choicememorial.com.