Obituary of Terry Stodler

TERRENCE WAYNE STODLER Terry passed away at home on February 15th at the age of 68 years with his wife Barbara, daughter Jennifer and beloved labradoodle, Gordie by his side. Terry was born in Regina in 1951 and moved with his family to Saskatoon in his early years. He lived, worked and raised a family in Saskatoon while developing a love for curling and golf and acquiring a special talent for barbecuing. Terry was proud of his three daughters and treasured their time spent on family ski holidays at Panorama and camping trips in the summer. Being a dad was a role he cherished but the birth of his first grandchild, Olivia, would create an entirely new level of love and devotion. Grandpa T, as he was affectionately called, delighted in hearing the shrieks of laughter as he chased bare toes and cuddled their wee souls. Terry would become Grandpa T three more times as he welcomed Nina, Oran and Elena into his heart. He delighted in creating those 4 second looks of bewilderment followed by a smile and giggle when he offered his sage advice about swimming, “Don’t get wet.” Terry spent over twenty years in the Potash industry working for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Canpotex and BHP Billiton. He was an intelligent man who had a keen mind for logistics and a detailed knowledge of mining, from the exact dimensions of a rail car to every color, price and grade of potash. He would schedule daily trips to the YMCA in Saskatoon for noon hour runs that became a special time to socialize with his good friends and acquaintances. Working or retired, Terry always had time to nurture his friendships. He enjoyed coffee or lunch visits, Sunday brunch, social times after curling or golf or even just a phone call to catch up. Terry’s dream was to live on a golf course, surround himself with all good things that living in the mountains could offer, and spend his retirement years with family and pets. His dream came true when, in April 2016, he moved to a new home on a golf course in the Kootenays, accompanied by his wife, his dog and two cats. As time went by, Terry became well-known in the small community for his daily walks down to the St. Mary’s River, and back to the club house for a visit and a snack, often toting a piece of garbage that may have been cast aside. Terry’s final round of golf in September 2019 was a dandy and, as he parred the 18th hole, he shouted, “That’s it! I’m done.” He loved every aspect of golf course life from the very first day he spied the lots to his final days in his home across from the 18th fairway. Terry refused to let cancer or dementia gain a foothold in his life. His sense of humor and positive spirit never waivered as he navigated his way through two years of significant health challenges. The twinkle in his eye, his wry smile and clever one-liners made every situation more manageable and endeared him to all. Even during an emergency visit to the hospital, while in noticeable pain, Terry commented on the beauty of the mountains as he looked out the car window. Terry’s love of family, animals and nature was a core value he held dearly throughout his life and the Riders have lost one of their most loyal of the 13th-Man-Club. Terry is survived by his wife, Barbara Wright, his daughters Jennifer Stodler (Jason Jordan: Elena), Jodi Fournier (Jason: Olivia, Nina), Jaimie Stodler: Oran, his sisters Myrna Thode, Debbie Stodler, his special family in southern Saskatchewan Betty Garling, Lorraine Fellner, Dale Garling, Patty Garling, sister-in-law Beverly Wright, brother-in-law Bill Wright, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends, and the mother of his daughters, Sharon Stodler. Terry was predeceased by his parents, Bob & Marie Stodler, his brother-in-law Charlie Thode and niece Jill Thode. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Buchar and her staff, Hospice special friend Jeff Williams, the Community Care team in Cranbrook and Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy. Your ongoing care, compassion and support were invaluable. An informal celebration of Terry’s life will take place later in Saskatoon. Memorial donations can be made in Terry’s name to your local SPCA or the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society. "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller. Hospice Society Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com