Terrence Edward Guinn

Dec. 23 1947 – Nov. 13 2021 

On World Kindness Day, Nov. 13, an hour past dawn, our beloved Terry gently passed away in St. Boniface Hospital with siblings at his side. Embracing Babar, his stuffed elephant, Terry left this world to be reunited with Mom & Dad.

Terry was born in Portage la Prairie in 1947 to Marie (Kitson) and Murray Guinn. Being the firstborn, he had 3 years of relative peace before the rest of us arrived: Cynthia, Rodger, Clark, Brent and finally Diana. The one-bathroom wartime house on Sixth Street. was seldom a scene of serenity, but one of much laughter, love and always noise.

After numerous misdiagnoses, it was finally determined that Terry had Aspergers Autism. It never deterred him from his eclectic interests. He was most passionate about reading. His collections and tomes in history, mythology, astronomy, fauna, flora, railroads filled every nook and cranny in his house. He loved Loony Toons (The Golden Collection was his favourite), politics (a loyal Liberal, he described Jim Carr as an “honest fellow, through and through”). Terry loved music but was quick to acknowledge that many ballads, “bring me to tears”. Just recently he mentioned to Cynthia that he had an autograph from Burton Cummings. “He’s one of the best vocalists ever!’ And almost immediately, Terry, in a melodic tenor, tenderly sang the first bars of ‘These Eyes”.

Terry had a loving connection to Portage and area. He enjoyed reminiscing about his early years at Victoria School, including who was recurrently sent to Mr. Bradley’s office and for what infraction. No names will be mentioned to protect privacy. Mrs. Florence Rea, his all-time favourite teacher, continued to send him Christmas cards for decades. Delta Beach was his haven. His early summers were spent at our parents’ cottage. Later he enjoyed many long summer days at Cynthia and Ken’s cabin. He loved sitting on the deck, watching the pelicans & herons, finding solace in the endless expanse of blue waters and azure skies. Terry walked untold miles on Hackberry Road from our cottage to his dear Auntie Gene and Uncle Peter’s. Inevitably, he would pause to chat with Delta locals or other summer visitors. He would expound on everything under the sun: the mosquito population, canola crops, highway construction, the Portage Diversion, accidental sightings of a Snowy Egret, the British monarchy scandals (much to his Grandmother Kitson’s dismay), Pierre Trudeau and pirouettes, “The Stone Angel” in Neepawa and our Nana’s connection to “Peggy” Laurence. All topics deserved equal enthusiasm by our Terry.

After Mom died in 1991, Terry lived in a variety of care homes in Winnipeg to be near three of his siblings. Eventually the family was introduced to Pulford Community Living Services. Terry thrived under their care. His final home, provided by Pulford, was ideal. The small house on Fleet Ave. and daily care by staff offered Terry his independence. He and his precious companion, June – the orange rescue cat from the Winnipeg Humane Society lived happily together for a decade.

Terry was a beautiful soul; he cared about everyone he met. He never forgot a name. He never forgot their spouses’ or children’s names. He thanked people for even the smallest gestures. In Terry’s final hours, after the cardiologist checked his vitals, Terry thanked him and asked, “So how are you feeling today, Doc?”

Terry was a dedicated student of Semantics. He delved into derivations and variations of proper nouns and words. He often teased his sisters about their names; both mean “Goddess of the Moon.” He liked to tease, “Maybe that’s why you’re both space cadets!” He was proud of his given name, ‘Terrence’. “My name originates from Latin,” he would announce. “Therefore I am part Latin. Hence, I am a lover of the Romance Languages.” Perhaps Mom and Dad had a kind of inspirational intervention when choosing their firstborn’s name. In Irish Terrence means ‘tenderness’; in Latin it connotes ‘God’s Grace’. Our brother encompassed both qualities. Gentleness and innocence were the core of his being.

Terry was a remarkable man. Despite his disabilities, he never wavered in his optimism. He fought and won against prostate cancer. In the oncologist’s office, on the initial announcement of the diagnosis, he declared, “Don’t worry Doc. I’m a Cancer Survivor.” And he was. Although he suffered from debilitating and painful Psoriatic Arthritis, he seldom complained. He was up and walking hours after knee replacements so he could return home to his cat. And despite his massive heart attack, he announced to his brother Rodger, “I’m the lucky one. I survived to live another day. I’m still here.” Although Terry’s physical heart had been shattered, his emotional heart did not falter. He never wavered in his compassion for all living beings. He left this world with his kindness and hope intact.

One of his final wishes was expressed to his sister Diana and brother Brent. “I want to be certified as an official Santa Claus. Then I can be responsible for collecting cat toys for June’s upcoming Christmas.” The family is forever indebted to Cynthia’s dear friends, Virginia and Jim who have adopted Terry’s Lady June. We know June will be treasured and loved as Terry would have wished.

Terry will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. Thank you to the caring staff at Pulford, especially Taryn, Patricia, Evelyn, Ola and so many more. Your understanding and acceptance for our brother’s needs will be remembered.

Thank you to the compassionate staff on the ACCU ward of St. Boniface. Your team faces tremendous obstacles, not the least of which is overcrowding and constant emergencies. You are professionals and you consistently rise above the chaos and din to offer kindness and much appreciated honesty.

Terry was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Murray Guinn, maternal grandparents, Florence and Charles Kitson, paternal grandparents, Bertha and Edward Guinn, Aunts Ruth, Dorothy, Hope, Uncles Bert, Graham, Harold, Peter, and cousins Brenda, Susanne, and Lois.

Terry leaves behind his siblings and their families: Cynthia (Ken) and children Ennis (Nobue), Ryan (Tricia), Jenn (Stephen); Rodger (Marion) and children Olivia (Dave), Ted (Adah), Ryan (Brentlee), Meagan (Paul); Clark (Debbie) and children: Jaclyn (Lowell), Craig (Tammy); Brent (Shirley) and children Aaron ( Karen), Ashley (Andrew),Tara (George); Diana (David) and children Dave (Penny), Kori (Stephen).

Terry was adored by a host of great nieces and nephews: Lilly, Amelia, Frederick, Avanya, Liam, Julianna, Mila, Brooklyn, Sydney, Abigail, Emma, Donovan, Brittney, Jessica, Sophie, Elliott, Levi and Nate. Many cousins will miss Terry: Kent, Judith, Lynn, Sharon, Trisha, Donald, Chuck, Bev, Barb, Bruce and Brenda. Terry leaves behind his Auntie Gene and Uncle Dennis who love him dearly.

Our lives are forever altered. We will miss our sweet boy everyday. The sound of his laughter and his gentle smile always lifted hearts. We will strive to honour his spirit of kindness and hope. Terry would want that.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Terry’s name to the The Winnipeg Humane Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Pulford Community Living Services, or a charity of your choice.

Cremation and private family service have taken place. Celebration of Life will be held next summer. Terry will be interred in Hillside Cemetery with his parents.

Farewell Darling Brother. Rest easy in the cradle of Mom and Dad’s arms.

“We Shall Meet on that Beautiful Shore.”