Terry Goodwin touched many lives in Haliburton County, whether through his work in the justice system and social services or his involvement in church, committees and societies.
Terry passed away suddenly on May 28, at the age of 59.
His daughter, Jen, said she and her brother were incredibly lucky to have Terry as their dad.
“He was a ‘doer’ and involved in so much of our lives: coaching tee-ball, soccer, and hockey; volunteering on the parent council at school; staying up late to help with over-the-top homework projects, and so much more,” she told The Highlander.
“We always knew that if we needed him, he’d be there, no questions asked. The same goes for his involvement in the community. He quietly served and we’ll probably never know the number of lives he touched – from helping turn a life around as a probation officer to mowing the lawn for a widow … he had the rare ability to meet a person wherever they were at, offering acceptance and kindness.”
Friend, prayer partner, and breakfast buddy, Pastor Brian Plouffe, said what he and many others appreciated was “Terry’s life was a practical life and he had a very practical faith.” He said he was hands-on in helping others, and ensuring justice for all, and had a real heart for the people he worked with in probation. “He cared for them as people.” “He wasn’t talk. He was action.” He remembered Terry for being down to earth, with a good sense of humour.
Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents executive director Marg Cox said they will remember Terry for his dedication to his work in probation, as well as for being co-chair of The Haliburton Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee, notably leading a subcommittee dedicated to tackling the rising Opioid crisis.
“He was an incredible support and volunteer in the community, with a wonderful sense of humor and passion for helping those in need, and in retirement continued to be a dedicated fundraiser and supporter,” Cox said.
His family said Terry began his career working for grocery chains A&P and IGA, before joining Corrections in 1987, working as a probation and parole officer. He retired May 1, 2019, but according to his family, wasn’t one to sit around and thrived on keeping busy. He took online courses from the University of Guelph to become a Master Gardener and in recent years became a beekeeper, or, as he liked to say, “a bee buyer.” He was a member of the Haliburton Master Gardeners, where he thoroughly enjoyed his meetings with the “ladies,” the Minden Horticultural Society, and a volunteer at the Haliburton Foodbank.
Master gardener Carolyn Langdon said the gardeners were reeling from his death. “We are a small group and the loss of a member leaves a big hole. Terry was an exceptional person,” she said. Langdon said Terry’s family was donating many of his gardening books to the Minden and District Horticultural Society. “The books will be a great addition to the group’s lending library and many will find their way to the ever-popular ticket draw table, a monthly fundraiser for the group pre-COVID,” she said.
Terry was also fortunate to go on mission trips to Guatemala, Haiti, and Mexico, his family said. “Terry had such a compassionate heart and nothing blessed him more than to be able to help someone.”
Terry’s wife, Julie, is executive-director of the Pregnancy Care and Family Support Centre in Haliburton. She told The Highlander that on June 12, she and Terry would have been married 38 years. “Terry was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He lived his Christian faith: Terry loved unconditionally – whether you were family, friend or probation client.” She asked people to “pay it forward and do kind, helpful things for others, particularly people you do not know.”
If desired, donations to the Pregnancy Care & Family Support Centre, Haliburton would be appreciated by the family. They can be arranged through the Haliburton Community Funeral home at 705-457-9209
