Terry Patrick Bellinger

TERRY PATRICK BELLINGER

Friday, July 16, 1948 - Friday, September 12, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and neighbour Terry Patrick Bellinger. As he wished, Terry died peacefully at home with his wife Kathleen by his side. In his final days and hours, Terry was blessed to receive kind and compassionate care from nurses Jericho and Khaled, his very special PSWs and the Reverend Cheryl Barker.

Terry is survived and will be greatly missed by: Kathleen his beloved wife of 56 years; deeply devoted son Michael Bellinger and his always kind and thoughtful wife Cindy; much loved grandchildren: grandson Jesse Bellinger and Jesse’s daughter Gabriella Bellinger; grandson Brandon Gabet (Richa); granddaughter Brianna Gabet-Mulvale (Anthony); sister Linda Rose (Ken Collins); sister-in-law Susan Bellinger (late Dennis); nephew Ryan Bellinger (Jennifer); Tanya (late nephew Dean); great nieces Addison, Avery, Gabby, and Katie. Predeceased by parents Russell (1970) and Doris (1998); brother Dennis (2024); dearly loved nephew Dean (2022); and Terry’s beloved dog, the mischievous, always happy husky named Grumpy. Terry was also deeply loved and will be missed by his Matachewan family: Laura Jean “Jeanie” (Nelson); Dorothy “Dot”; and Lorne “Punk” (Chicky). Predeceased by: his very dear friend Clarence “Pinky” (1999); and the much loved and respected Laura “Mum Flood” (2010).

Matachewan in northern Ontario was Terry’s “happy place” where he totally embraced traditional outdoor life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, canoeing, trapping, picking wild blueberries and cooking over an open campfire. Terry learned so much in Matachewan, and made so many good memories. Those happy times and memories sustained him when poor health restricted his mobility, and he could no longer live the active outdoor life he had once thrived on. As a boy, grandson Jesse would go with Terry to Matachewan. Terry loved reminiscing with Jesse about all the good times, including attending a Pow Wow.

The majority of Terry’s life was lived in southern Ontario where he was born (Collingwood), grew up (Creemore), married (Unionville), became a father (Toronto) and a homeowner (Georgetown).  It wasn’t Terry’s plan to leave his hometown Creemore, but he was offered work in Toronto. He went to live with his Uncle Russ, Aunt Joan and young cousins. He and Uncle Russ worked at Bellevue Pathe, a once significant Canadian motion picture and distribution company. It was his all time favourite job and place to work. He made friends, and as a young man in his early twenties his life was pretty good, but he felt lonely in Toronto. His loneliness quickly disappeared when he met Kathleen on a blind double date arranged by friends, and the rest is history. Terry and Kathleen married, were blessed to celebrate the birth of their son Michael, and eventually bought a house on Edward Street in Georgetown. Terry was a member of the Georgetown Anglers and Hunters Club. During the 45 years of living on Edward Street, he was a hardworking, helpful friend and neighbour. He was always there to lend a hand with snow removal, grass cutting, painting, and any other project. The next door neighbours Gord, Jill and Julia were close to his heart. He had the pleasure of watching newborn baby Julia grow up to be a fine young woman and marry Ryan. He especially enjoyed listening to Julia play her cello. Over the 45 years his nickname in the neighbourhood changed from “Young Terry” to “Grandpa”.

Terry was not interested in organized sports, but liked being active. He went downhill skiing, snowmobiling and loved riding motorcycles. One summer, Terry and his longtime best friend Ken Gibney, and close friends Ken and Arnold rode their motorcycles from Ontario to the west coast of British Columbia and back. They did it in only two weeks because they could not get more vacation time. They returned exhausted but exhilarated. Terry never tired of talking about that trip.

Terry loved a lot of different music. His favourite band was Pink Floyd, and their album Dark Side Of The Moon. In his younger years Terry attended live concerts. As he grew older and less mobile he found pleasure in building his music playlist, and watching concert videos and movies, especially with son Michael. For so many years and throughout everything, including numerous appointments and procedures, Terry knew he could count on Michael, even when it was not easy or convenient. He was patient, kind and often made Terry laugh in difficult situations.

In June of 2022 Terry had life changing surgery. He handled it with courage and determination. His remarkable resolve to recover from the surgery, and to walk with a prosthetic leg was truly magnificent.  Physiotherapist, Irene Veenstra provided Terry with excellent professional instruction and support. Terry and Irene worked so well together and accomplished so much. Although the sessions were challenging, he worked really hard and always returned home both physically and mentally stronger. Terry achieved his goal. He was able to walk outdoors with his prosthetic leg using a rollator walker. But, he wanted to accomplish so much more. Sadly, cancer denied him any further progress.

Also in June 2022, Terry and Kathleen moved to Cote Terrace an independent living residence for seniors. Moving provided safety and accessibility for Terry, and the opportunity to make new friends. Terry was very happy living at Cote Terrace. He and Kathleen enjoyed many social events together. Terry particularly loved playing euchre and enjoyed bingo. He appreciated the kind, caring and fun loving neighbours at Cote Terrace.

Terry also supported Kathleen’s love for God and St. George’s Church. He learned to recognize the importance of faith and fellowship. He knew that the St. George’s family would provide the love and support Kathleen would need after he was gone.

Terry lived a full life. His body just wore out and it was his time to move on. He was fortunate to have had a loving wife and family, good friends and a lifetime full of adventure. He was truly blessed.

Friends and family are invited to join in celebration of Terry's life at St. George's Anglican Church, 60 Guelph St, Georgetown  on Saturday September 27th at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow in the church hall.

If desired, donations to St. George's Anglican Church or the Georgetown Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.