Terrance "Terry" Leonard Paetsch

Terry and his siblings Dina, Ken, James, and Shannon, were raised by their parents, Len and Audrey, in Saskatchewan and in Calgary. They were taught to value family and to work hard. Terry grew up to be a builder and a fixer. He built homes for a living, but more importantly, he built relationships. He had a knack for seeing people in need of connection and would look them right in the eye with a strong, determined gaze, and make them a part of his life. Terry had a heart that was big enough to carry us all. 

Terry has steadfastly loved Alice since they were married in Calgary in 1989. Their love has spanned decades and cities and led them to their home in Medicine Hat. 

He and Alice each had children when they were married, but Terry was Dad to them all. He is survived by his son, David, whom he taught to build, to joke, and to weather the storm; his daughter Melanie, with whom he shared a love of Doctor Who, campfires, and of unique and hilarious moments; his daughter, Miranda (Mandi), whom he taught to drive and to care for her people with humour and determination; and his son, Zachary (Zach), whom he taught to really consider his decisions, to never give up, and to laugh from his heart. He was a constant support to his daughter-in-law, Trisha, and his sons-in-law, Duncan and Dennis. He was Papa to Alex, Brady, Sean, Ben, Isaiah, Thomas, and Conroy (CJ). With his grandsons, he shared his love of loud cars, cool new tech, and of not quite following parental rules. 

Terry was fiercely proud of his kids, his nieces and nephews, and his grandkids. He made terrible jokes and taught important lessons. He was always there to explain how something should be built, to serve his grandkids oatmeal with ice cream for breakfast, or to support loved ones with rides to wherever they needed to go. He loved his Tim Hortons coffee- medium with 2 milk and 2 sweetener-, Kin Coulee Park, conspiracy theories about aliens, and hope-filled sci-fi shows. Terry loved a good deal and was known to pick up a bunch of whatever was on for a great price, in case someone else would need it. 

Terry's family would like to thank his doctors, along with the nursing staff at the Medicine Hat hospital and St Joseph's Hospice for their care of him. Thank you especially to those who were there at the end, who looked him in the eye and showed such respect for him. 

No formal service will be held.

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