Terry was born on May 11th, 1941 in Kelowna, B.C. and died on August 13th, 2012 in the Kelowna General Hospital. He spent his first eight years in Kelowna, then lived in Kamloops until 1956. He attended Stuart Wood, Allan Matthews Elementary and Kamloops High. His family then returned to Kelowna where he graduated from High School in 1960. Terry received his Bachelor of Education from UBC in 1967. Terry's passion for everything he did was contagious, inspiring others to be the best they could be. He began his teaching career in Dawson Creek and Victoria; then transferred to the Surrey School District in 1969.

One of his dreams was to cruise the South Pacific. It started with a 29-foot sailboat, "Monashee", after which came "Spellbinder", a 45-foot ferro-cement sailboat that he and his wife, Kathy, spent six years constructing. In 1979, Terry, Kathy and their six-year old daughter Sian, sailed out of False Creek Marina, ostensibly for a one-year cruise. Ten years passed before the family returned home. They explored French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Australia, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. In Papua New Guinea, Terry taught Geography at Lae International High School and later became the Deputy Headmaster. When Terry and family returned home in 1988 he resumed his career with the Surrey School District and completed his Masters of Education at the University of Oregon. He served as Vice-Principal of Princess Margaret Secondary and Clayton Heights Secondary, then was appointed Principal of Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary.

Terry retired in 2003 to Vernon, B.C. He became an avid Vernon Vipers fan, traveling to the Canadian Championships several times. He was an active participant in the Society for Open Learning Discussion (S.O.L.D.) of which he was out-going president. Terry was a natural leader and touched many lives.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, his daughter Sian, his sister Joan (Brian) Glanfield, four nieces, one nephew, extended family members, and numerous friends and colleagues.

Terry was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Donna Upton.

A Memorial Service Celebrating Terry's Life will be held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Saturday, August 25th, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with Mr. Brian Jackson officiating. People attending Terry's service are asked to wear bright shirts (preferably Hawaiian).

Donations in Terry's name can be made to the SPCA, 4800 Haney, Vernon, B.C. V1H 1P6.

Email messages to family may be sent to: bethelchapel@uniserve.com

Funeral arrangements have been
made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.,
5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
(250) 542-1187