Terry Scharf
March 14, 1949 – February 20, 2023
Celebration Of Life
Friday May 5, 2023
3 PM - 5 PM
Royal Canadian Legion Collingwood
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that the Scharf family announces the passing of Terry at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on February 20th, 2023, in his 73rd year after battling pancreatic cancer. Terry was a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend to so many people. He was the beloved husband of Arleen for 45 years. He was a loving father to his two sons, Jarred (Kerri) and Jamie, and an adoring papa to his two grandchildren, Keeley and Brendan. He was the proud big brother to his sister Sharon (Jim) Rivest, and his late sister Linda (Todd) Campbell.
Terry was born in Ottawa on March 14, 1949. He moved to Sarnia when he was 10 and was raised in a country house outside of the city. He was educated in a two-room schoolhouse until Grade 9. After finishing high school in 1969, Terry attended Teacher’s College in London, Ontario in 1970. Once completed, he arrived in Collingwood and accepted a teaching position at Cameron Street Public School in September 1970. While teaching full time, he spent 5 years taking distance learning courses from the University of Western to earn his undergraduate degree.
Terry taught at Cameron Street until October 1981 then he accepted a position at Connaught Public School. He has many fond memories from his years of teaching at Connaught. He loved the staff and students, and he particularly loved the opportunities he had to produce and direct various plays and variety nights. A few of the more memorable productions were The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Camp Connaught-A. Terry spent his last 5 years at Connaught as the Vice-Principal before retiring in 2003.
Terry was a man of many talents who enjoyed working with his hands. His family and friends knew him as a great cook, amateur artist, educator, carpenter, director, gardener, amateur architect, interior designer, and landscape designer.
He was very determined to learn the ins and outs of each trade. As the contractor for 2 of his houses, Terry would watch, ask questions, and learn from each of the different trades working around him. Many of his lifelong friendships started out this way. A fond memory growing up was Terry consistently watching This Old House each week and jotting down ideas for his own creations. Terry loved to push the limits of the industry when designing and building. Each of his homes became more elaborate than the last.
Terry could never sit still for long. During his retirement, he started to travel and continued substitute teaching before he found his second calling. Shortly after retirement, Terry started designing and selling kitchens for Nottawa Kitchens. He loved the opportunity to be creative and learn all about the industry.
A lifelong passion for Terry was gardening, starting from a very young age. He was an avid gardener. He could hardly wait to get outside in the spring to clear the yard. He spent most of his summer days, from dawn to dusk, designing elaborate landscapes and planters. His friends and family often marvelled at his creations. In the early 2000s, he participated in local garden shows, and once was even featured in the book “Great Gardens to Visit” by Patricia Singer.
Terry’s days were quite busy, but he always found time for his family and his friends. He spent his last few years helping his two sons with house renovations, designing his final kitchen, and spending time with his two grandchildren. Terry loved taking time each week to listen to his granddaughter’s adventures.
Terry loved to host dinner parties and was considered an excellent chef by his friends and family. Perhaps the most famous meal was his baby back ribs with a homemade secret sauce.
For anyone who knew Terry, he was an open and honest man who loved to chat. He truly enjoyed getting to know people. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
His family is immensely thankful to all the staff at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital for their care and support during his time there.
Friends may visit Terry’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com