Terrence Lichty
Terrence James Lichty was born on February 9, 1955 in Sudbury to Irene and Ervin Lichty and shortly, the family moved to a farm near Tavistock. His older sister Gail, was happy to have someone else to help with the chickens in the mornings. A few years later, another sister, Wendy was born. The three kids remained very close throughout their years both leaning on each other for support and for usual sibling pestering. Terry knew how to get under his sisters’ skin, but they knew he loved them too.
While still quite young, the kids went to live with their grandparents in Saskatchewan near Weyburn. Saskatchewan was even less exciting in the 60’s, but the kids had good memories of their grandparents. He also made many fond memories gallivanting with cousins. Eventually Irene secured employment in Ponoka and moved Terry and his sisters there, where he lived the rest of his life. They often didn’t have much materially, but there was much love. Terry enjoyed playing sports and carousing with his friends during his teen years and early adulthood. He was a large man, though a gentle soul. In Ponoka and Maskwacis (formerly Hobbema), he was known as Tiny.
After high school, Terry found work in the oil patch and was very successful due to his size and strength. In 1980, Irene had a bad fall with a broken leg so Terry returned home and moved in with her to an apartment in Riverside. He eventually took a job at the local Fas Gas so he could be closer to his mom to help out. Terry regularly visited with his friends in town and out in Maskwacis; he always found time for a coffee and chat about cars, rock music, or sports. During this time, his nephews were born and they often visited Gramma Irene and Uncle Terry. They were impressed at his cool motorcycle and Trans-am, often stealing his helmets and wearing them around the apartment. In 1988, Irene passed away unexpectedly which was hard for all of the kids and grandchildren. Terry and Irene were in the process of moving next door to Gail and her family, but only Terry made the move. Having his sister and nephews close was good for him. And the nephews didn’t mind taking time to play with Dr. Feelgood, his beloved money-finding-dog, or to challenge him to Sega Genesis games.
Terry’s vehicles were a source of pride. He always took immaculate care of each one. His motorcycle had a drive shaft rather than a belt or chain, which had to be custom ordered. In the 1980’s and 1990’s Terry competed in show’n’shine competitions, winning several awards. He would bring his nephews to different car shows and they loved it too. Part of the reason why Terry’s cars lasted so long was he preferred to drive them slowly...very slowly. Terry was always well under the speed limit, which was a departure from his youth.
As work dried up at the gas station Terry began work as a bus driver with Hobbema Transport. He loved driving and meeting the kids, especially the kindergarten kids. Over the years, he would finish his morning run and regularly head back to the school and read stories to the kindergarten class. It was always a striking image to see this giant man surrounded by all the little children. When his health failed, Terry missed most the opportunity to drive and meet the kids on his route or volunteer in the classroom.
Sadly, over the last few years Terry’s health began to fail him. He spent more time in the office than on the bus routes, but you could often find him available for a coffee and chat. He enjoyed time with family, especially with the grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Terry passed away with his sisters and nephew by his side. His gentle-giant grin will be missed by the many faces of the kids of Maskwacis and Ermineskin school. He is survived by his sisters: Gail and Wendy; his nephews: Blake (Christina), Colton (Mandi), and Trevor (Chrissi) as well as his many grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and his many cousins of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Pennsylvania.
A Funeral Service was held for Terry at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ermineskin Primary School (Box 420 Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0) or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
To express condolences to Terry’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~