Major (Ret’d) Royal Canadian Dragoons
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Terry Seeley who passed away peacefully at the age of 87, with his wife and sons by his side. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He leaves in mourning his beloved wife Rita Rose (nee Seuret) after 61 years of marriage, his loving sons, Christopher and Shawn, proud grandfather to Logan and Angelia. He was a caring brother of the late Carol Moore (John), Sharron Henderson (the late George) and Linda Wylie (Don). Born in Belleville Ontario, he was the son of the late Harold Ray Seeley and Marion Winnifred (Sharp), and stepson to the late Mildred May (Parker). Terry will be greatly missed by numerous extended family and military friends across the country and world.
During his military career, Major Seeley served in the Canadian Army and Canadian Forces in a variety of operational, training and staff positions in Canada and West Germany. Major appointments included Chief Instructor of the School of Armour, command of a tank squadron, and Second-in-Command of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) regiment. He was involved in the production of the first regimental history, “DRAGOON”, in 1983. Terry completed his military career at National Defence HQ in various Security Branch and planning related positions. He retired from the Canadian Forces with the rank of Major in 1991 with over 35 years of service.
Terry embarked on a second career with Transport Canada for five years and was employed in the Surface Group in Emergency planning, preparedness, and training positions. He completed a BA in political science with the University of Manitoba.
Terry participated in a variety of pursuits. He worked with the Royal Canadian Dragoons Association, the Conference of Defence Associations (CDA), the Conference of Defence Associations Institute (CDAI), the Canadian Battlefields Foundation, and related military organizations over many years.
Hobbies included historical model ship building. He enjoyed cross-country skiing, kayaking, hiking and boating at his much-loved cottage. This was his ‘happy place’ where he loved having his grandchildren and family friends enjoying the beautiful sunsets, and the sound of the loons. Terry will be remembered by his friends for his captivating wry humour, and for his unwavering love for his country and democracy.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at the Ottawa General Hospital, and the Champlain Palliative Home and Care Team, who treated him with care, dignity and respect to the very end.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Thursday June 12th at 1 p.m. followed by a reception from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
In memoriam, if desired, donations can be made to the Diabetes Association.
Digital Guestbook
Sharron Henderson.
Thomas Burnie
Terry was the regimental second-in-command when we first met in Germany in 1976. I was the unit Intelligence Officer and Regimental Gunnery Office, so reported to Terry. He was always very helpful dealing with many issues. Later, we served at the same time in National Defence Headquarters. Terry was of the old school in the sense of dedication and how he treated others with respect. We often saw each other at various regimental events later in life and shared stories. May he rest in peace.
Tim and Martha Smith
We have such tremendous memories of wonderful times spent together, you will be profoundly missed, Terry. Shakespeare said of Julius Casear, "Nature might stand up to all the world and say, This was a Man!" and that applies to you, our dear friend,
Russell Smye
Terry was my phase one troop officer at the RCAC School in 1964. It was quite a challenge for the School and him personally. The troop was composed of Tanzanians, Zambians, one Jamaican and a bunch young Canadians who were often caught in the middle between the communist and fundamental Christian Tanzanians! We had some good laughs later about the situation when we served together in Canadian Forces Europe in Lahr, Germany
Brian Turner
How do you say farewell to someone who has meant so much to you for so long? I will certainly miss our long conversations under the maple tree at the cottage. Nothing was off limits but we often strayed into military matters and of course, politics. I learned so much from you but especially the "correct" way to BBQ chicken!! You were like a second father to me Terry and I will absolutely miss you as much as I miss my own parents. Farewell and rest easy now. You have earned it. Until we meet again...
My big brother is gone and will be sadly missed.