It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Terry Heenan. Terry lived a long and rich life, and will be fondly remembered for his smile, love of golf, and for always correcting us when we said “me” instead of “I”.

Terry was born and raised in Halifax, where he earned his Science degree from Saint Mary’s University in 1947 and his Electrical Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1949. During this time, he also became a member of the Canadian Officers Training Corps and was commissioned as a reserve officer in the Royal Canadian Signals. Terry eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and was Commander of the Sixth Services Battalion in the Reserve Army.

After graduating, Terry joined the Maritime Telegraph and Telephone Company, where he became Assistant Chief Engineer. From there Terry’s career was meteoric. He worked as Chairman of the Advisory Group of TransCanada Phone Systems, Director of Telesat Canada, and Chairman of the Canadian Telephone Carrier’s Association. In 1967 he moved to Vancouver, where he joined BC Tel as Vice-President of Operations. Terry left BC Tel in 1978 and relocated to Ottawa to serve as President of the TransCanada Telephone System, where he was a key figure in maintaining Canada’s telecommunications systems. Terry returned to BC Tel in 1983 to take on the role of President and Chief Operating Officer before retiring in 1988.

Terry also gave his time to the Vancouver Board of Trade and St. Paul’s Hospital, serving on the Board of Directors of each. In 1980, citing his “outstanding service to Canada as an engineer and a leader”, Terry was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia.

Terry is survived by his second wife, Roberta (“Bobbie”); brothers David, Joe, and Peter; children Catheigh, Greg (Irene), Robert (Ivy), and Martha; step-children Robert (Emily) Walker and Wendy Rossiter; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his first wife, Catherine; mother Lilian and father Joseph (“Joe”); brothers Father Greg and William (“Billy”); and sister Madeleine.

A service celebrating Terry’s life will be held at St. John the Apostle Parish (5247 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver) at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 14th, 2017 followed by a reception at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club (4300 Southwest Marine Drive, Vancouver). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.