Obituary of Tommy Terpstra
Thomas William Terpstra passed away at Lady Minto Health Care Centre, Edam, Saskatchewan on November 23, 2023 at the age of 101 years.
The Funeral Service for Tommy will be conducted from Edam Community Recreational Centre, Edam, SK on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM.
Tommy is survived by: his son, Wayne Terpstra; grandson Thomas Terpstra (Jenn King); nephews, Keith (Ruth) Hardcastle, Murray (Shelley) Hardcastle and Dale Hardcastle; sisters-in-law, Doris Forsyth and Subina Forsyth; and brother-in-law, Bill Forsyth.
Tommy is predeceased by: his parents, Folkert and Emma Terpstra; wife, Margaret Terpstra; and sister, Wilma (Ernest) Hardcastle.
Tommy was born to parents, Folkert and Emma Terpstra, on Jan 26, 1922 at Lady Minto Hospital in Edam. He had one older sister, Wilma. Tommy started working in his Dad's Service Station when he was twelve years old; after his Mom passed away.
Tommy attended H. Hardcastle School in Edam and obtained his Grade 12. He then joined the Air Force and became an Instrument Mechanic. Tommy was a Corporal and his position was Leading Air Craftsman. He has six medals from his military career.
After his service Tommy became a Journeyman Motor Mechanic for 2 years. He then did Carpentry with his Father-in-law and finally took over the Service Station from his Dad and also started a TV/Radio repair business. He retired from this at age 74.
Tommy married Margaret Forsyth whom he met at the outdoor skating rink in Edam. Tommy played goalie from the age of 9 -32 when he lost his right eye in a game. The couple adopted their son Wayne when he was 4 years old. Tommy always loved animals and always had a dog. Many people will remember his Airdale dog Pal (he had 5 of them in succession).
Tommy spent his spare time searching for arrowheads and indian artifacts. He gave his first collection to the Museum. Tommy enjoys creative writing and has written numerous short stories. He was secretary of the Golf Course, a Boy Scout Leader, coached hockey and a Legion Member. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, archeaology, astronomy, and reading but he never danced!!
Donations in memory of Thomas may be made to Lady Minto Residents Trust Fund or Royal Canadian Legion 03-106 Edam.
Tommy's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/3c05c8f7-87da-4c4d-8d98-957df3e37e8e
