Just found out about passing of Terry.  So shocked and saddened that he is no longer with his family.  He was my Principal at Special Services in Oliver some years ago just before I retired.  Terry was one of the nicest, thoughtful Principals I worked with during my time with SD 53.  Condolences to Susan and family.

Oh Susan, Al and I are shocked and saddened by this event.  However, I must say I watched the Celebration and loved it so much. You all told Terry's Story so well.  What a wonder he was.   What a wonderful family and so in love with one another.  I am honoured by the privilege of seeing it.
And it all began at Swallow Street and I witnessed it.

Dear Susan, Justin, and Alyssa,
Ian and I just heard the news of Terry's passing.  What shattering news.  Our hearts go out to the three of you and the extended family as you grapple with such a loss.  Terry filled a room.  His radiant smile, his infectious laugh, and his incredible lust for life, clear to all of us who knew and loved him, made spending time with him so joyful.  There was never a time when you both left our home, Sue, that we didn't say, "Wow, that was fun!" There was never a time that we left your home that we didn't say, "Boy, we laughed a lot!" Terry's playfulness was always apparent. It came out on all the business trips he and I took together.  A few of the antics that spring to mind - driving with the top down in the convertible while it was pouring rain, gleefully eating frozen profiteroles out of the container after a Costco visit, naughtily eating gelato at 11:00 at night on Robson Street just because we could, and suddenly veering off the highway to hit a kitchen tile store that Terry had spotted.  Terry enjoyed life to the fullest.  May your memories give you peace and solace at such a challenging time.   XO

Dear Susan,

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It was shocking and deeply saddening to hear of Terry's passing. During my time in SD53, I saw how exceptional of an educator Terry was when I was his principal at OK Falls, and how exceptional of an educational leader he became in his roles at Tuc-el-Nuit and the board office.  Terry's professionalism, passion for education, and caring for people touched many.  Sadly, too often the 'good ones' leave us too soon, and Terry was definitley one of the good ones - a strong, capable, and compassionate person who left a lasting impression on so many.  

Our sons attended Tuc-el-nuit Elementary in Oliver while Terry served there as Vice Principal, and Glenn Dobie was Principal. I was active on the PAC and enjoyed all interactions with Terry. He showed such professionalism and set a fine example for the students. His laughter and genuine smile were a joy. Our sympathies to all Terry's family and friends on his premature passing.



My deepest condolences to you Susan, and the family.  In my capacity as a CRT for a short term at OK Falls Elementary, Terry was my greatest support, guiding me through all the processes and paper work. He always made time for me and was genuinely interested in me as a person, not just a colleague.  Afterwards, in my teaching role I always hoped I'd run into Terry because he was one of those few people that made your day better just by the brief encounter you'd have in the hallway - his smile, his positive energy, the twinkle in his eye to let you know that he was thinking of you even though there was no time to chat. The best times were at the Principal retreats when I got to know Terry and you, Susan, on a more personal level. I could always tell where Terry was in the room with his infectious laughter and his loquacious energy which will stay in my memory forever. I will laugh along with him.

Dear Susan, Justin and Alyssa,
I was so sad to hear of Terry's passing.  He was always a kind, compassionate and empathetic man.  I remember so many conversations with him and all of his thoughtful responses.  His passing reminds me that is "hard to make NEW -  old friends".  My thoughts and prayers are with you during, what I am sure is a difficult time.  

Terry's infectious laugh, a smile that lit the room and endless sense of humour will forever be his hallmark of a life well lived.  His compassion for every child and dedication to their well being showcased his professionalism but mostly his humanity for everyone he touched. It was an honour to be his colleague and his friend.   Our sincere condolences to Susan and the family.
Glenn Dobie and Heather McKenzie
PS "Ginger" Spice Girl performance will forever  be remembered!

Mr. Terry  Collis is one of a kind in every aspect of life. His knowledge and expertise of human being with diverse needs is impeccable. His wit and professionalism is something to be admired. 
It was an absolute pleasure to have worked under Mr. Collis administration. You are an excellent mentor. You are one of my heroes. You showed me excellent work ethics, compassion, empathy, understanding and most of all unconditional love to the students we work with and colleagues. Your smile and sense of humour always  got me through the days when it was long and hard. 
We are so shocked and no words to express the sadness we felt of your passing. You will always be in our hearts.  
Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May you all find comfort with each other, family and friends and Mr. Collis precious memories.
Forever in our hearts and mind.
Nieves Windley and 
Greg Smith

Terry was a very positive professional. I enjoyed working with him in various committees. I enjoyed his enthusiam. Rick Burns

Terry was such a great guy to work with! His laughter and his generosity of spirit will always be a memory for us!
Angela and Marty Lewis


Dear Susan, Justin and Alyssa....
Sam and I were so sad to hear about Terry's death.  He was far to young to leave us this early in his life!  I have so many great memories of not only working with Terry at Ok Falls Elementary and then as fellow administrators, but also socializing with you all here in Kaleden.  I will miss his sharp wit, creativeness, and love of life and family.  I'm sure he will be keeping heaven rocking with that amazing laugh of his!!  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.. please keep in touch, Sue... I'd love to get together one day in the Okanagan!  Much love to you all.  Barbra and Sam

Sue and family, so very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed working with Terry at the school district. He was always there to ponder and problem solve with me and some nights to bang on my office window and tell me it’s time to go home. Always kind and caring and aways full in when it came to what was best for kids. Heartbreaking. Thinking about you as you grieve together with family and friends.

Dear Sue and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing.  It seems like yesterday I saw you two in  Victoria. At work,  I’ll never forget Terry’s quick wit and ability to laugh about a situation nor his intelligence when dealing with things.  He was able to think ‘outside’ of the box! You never quite knew what he’d come up with! Sue, as a much beloved Kaleden  teacher- my kids and I have such fond memories of you. We send our deepest condolences  on your  tragic loss. 

Sue, I am so sorry to hear this.  Sending condolences and prayers for you and your family.

Betty-Ann Xenis

Dear Susan and family  - please accept my sincere condolences on Terry's passing. I was one of the lucky staff members at O.K. Falls Elementary to work with Terry.  He brought so much to the teaching profession and was an inspiration to us all.  His enthusiasm, his encouragement, his wonderful sense of humour and his commitment were traits that he shared with students and teachers alike and that he  brought to the job each and every day. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence.   

Always had fond memories of Jackie.  Sending much love to you and family. 

Hello Susan and family,
On behalf of myself and the Okanagan Falls Elementary family, I would like to send our sincerest condolences to you all. Terry was an amazing colleague and administrator.  His laugh was infectious, and his steadfast determination in helping our students with special needs and their families was appreciated.  As an administrator, I always knew I could turn to Terry for advice and assistance, it didn't matter what he was doing or how busy he was.  When he retired and his wish was to celebrate on the houseboat... it was a true "Terry" choice... fun, adventurous, and full of laughter! 
I'll always remember my first admin mtg and wanting to "dress" the part... Terry came up to me and said, "those shoes are power shoes, and you are rocking them, girl! You got this admin thing!" His words lifted me into believing I could do this job. 
Thank you for enabling and allowing us to share in Terry's service today. Sending hugs and strength to you all. 
Sincerely, Karen Sinclair

My condolences to Terry’s family. I had the privilege of working with Terry for many years in School District 53 and he was a teacher for my sons at Okanagan Falls Elementary. 
He was knowledgeable, funny and generous! I looked forward to hearing his life experience stories!
RIP Terry

I first met Terry at a Gifted Student workshop held in the Lower Mainland.  Immediately we had a connection because as an educator of the gifted you tend to be isolated in your own district and it was a delight to share ideas, concerns, plans for future curriculum and strategies for advocacy.  This led to the Valley Connection retreats that we held over a number of years.   Terry's humour was infectious as was his willingness to try any highly creative idea.  My heart goes out to his family and where ever he is I am sure he has them laughing.  Carollyne Lansel 

Our deepest sympathy to Jackie's family and to his sister's and their husband's and their families on the sudden loss of Jackie. I only remember seeing Jackie a few times when we first moved to Duncan. I remember him being a funny happy guy with a great smile.  I never knew the story behind him being called "Jackie" but thats what I  knew him as.  Maybe someone  will fill me in. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Hold onto your memories.
Love the Flaman's  (Phillips cousin) from Saskatchewan. 💞🙏

Sue and family, It is with great sadness that we learned of Terry's passing.  He was an amazing person, teacher, college and friend!
Terry was such a valued person both personally and professionally to so many in our school district.  He served the students of the South Okanagan so well.  Both of our son's remember him as their "favourite teacher of all time", and I know our sons were only a couple of many hundreds of students and teachers who felt the same way.  He shall be missed! 

Sincerely,

Wayne and Shelagh Orenchuk

My heart breaks for Susan & the family of the loss of Jackie (Terry ) !! We all grew up together and had such great fun together playing ball , riding bikes, playing games and delivering papers!! We would help Jackie with his papers & after he would spend his money treating all of us to chips & gravy at Welch’s restaurant in town !! He was the kindest,funniest & most generous guy and will be greatly missed by all that knew him❤️🙏❤️

To Susan & family, and to Jackie’s siblings & their families
 Sending our love & deepest sympathy to all at this sad time in your lives. Hold him close in beautiful memories!Will remember him from visits in our younger years to Duncan.
 Take care all & know our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Love (cousin )Trish & Bernie Latoski

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather, brother & my cousin, such a sad sad thing.  I have so many great memories of spending many vacas in BC , having a great time visiting all of our cousins, aunts & uncles.   I always thought we would see each other again but I guess it wasn’t meant to be 😢. Many hugs to you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏

OBITUARY

Ronald Terrance Collis

May 10, 1954 – June 24, 2022

First Memorial Funeral Services

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