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.
The funeral service / celebration of life will be held this Spring at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Please refer to the obituary for updates.
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.
My big brother is gone and will be sadly missed.