July 24, 1941 - August 17, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Terrance Murray Latimer (Terry) on August 17, 2020, after a long battle with failing health and cancer. He was a fighter right to the very end, as those who knew him had come to expect. He was pre-deceased by his son Jim (Sylvette) in 2017, his parents George and Ellen Latimer and his sister, and only sibling Pat Harder. He leaves to mourn his wife Marlene of 57 years, his son David (Lea), his grandchildren Alexandre, Marie-Eve, Elena and Ian who were the light of his life, numerous nephews and nieces and one special nephew John Harder (Ottawa) with whom he had a special bond over the years.
The family will honour his strong request for cremation and no funeral service.
Terry was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on July 24, 1941. After high school graduation (Blairmore class of '59) he joined the R.C.M.P and began his training in Regina, Saskatchewan in May 1960. He had many stories of early mornings in Regina grooming the horses in -30 C Saskatchewan winters. His first posting was in Dawson Creek, BC where he met his wife to be, Marlene Beilman. They were married in May 1963 and shortly thereafter were transferred to Prince George, BC. In 1967 they were transferred to Burnaby and their son Jim was born in 1968. In 1970 he was transferred to Chilliwack, BC where his son David was born the same year, and where he was promoted to Corporal in 1972. In 1975 the family was transferred to Kelowna, BC and bought their first house in Westbank. In 1977 they were transferred again to Victoria, BC settling in Sidney, and he was promoted to Sergeant. In 1983 he was transferred to E Division headquarters in Vancouver and the family settled again in North Delta, where he retired in 1995 after 35 years of service. In 1998 Terry and Marlene moved to Vernon, BC to finally enjoy retirement in the company of lifelong friends and neighbours. He always said he had the best neighbours you could hope to know or have.
Terry was very proud of his family and was active in his kid's sports and hobbies while they were growing up. He had a keen interest in the lives of his grandchildren and he loved playing guitar and singing the old country songs. Terry has left a big hole in the hearts of his family, who knew they could always rely on him for anything at anytime.
The family want to send a very special thank you to Interior Health, the Red Cross, all the care workers and nursing staff at Hospice House in Vernon, and especially Dr. Pienaar who went above and beyond for him in his final years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to Hospice House, Cancer Clinic, or a charity of your choice in his name.
If tears could build a stairway to heaven
I would climb those stairs and bring you back with me.
(Marlene)
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,
Phone: 250-542-4333
Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com