Obituary of Terrence Grover McSpadden

Terrence "Terry" Grover McSpadden

It is with heavy hearts, and more than a few smiles through our tears, that we announce the passing of Terrence Grover McSpadden, known lovingly as Terry, Ter-bear, and occasionally Terrence when the situation required it.

Terry left this world having lived a life rich in love, laughter, friendship, and stories. To know Terry was to be welcomed into a conversation. He never met a stranger—only people whose stories he had not yet heard. Whether speaking with a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, Terry was genuinely interested in their life, experiences, and perspectives. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Terry earned his Professional Electrical Engineering degree from the University of British Columbia. After graduation, he moved to Ontario to begin his career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company. Over the following decades, he held leadership and management roles with several companies. Eventually deciding that the corporate world was perhaps not quite his style, Terry boldly reinvented himself and embarked on a second career in real estate.

Real estate proved to be a natural fit for Terry because it was never really about houses—it was about people. He took great pride in helping clients find the right home and was known to walk away from a sale if he felt a property wasn't the right fit. His integrity and genuine care for others earned him the respect of clients and colleagues alike. Perhaps his greatest professional joy came from teaching, and he spent many years educating aspiring real estate professionals through the London Middlesex Real Estate Board.

Above all else, Terry's greatest love was Cheryl Clause, the love of his life and favourite partner in crime. Terry adored Cheryl and never missed an opportunity to make her laugh—or occasionally scream. Among his many practical jokes, one of his favourites involved hiding an automatic Halloween witch that would suddenly jump out and cackle as Cheryl walked by. Cheryl would inevitably jump, Terry would erupt into laughter, and somehow Cheryl always took it like a champion. Beneath the teasing and pranks was a deep and abiding love. Terry was forever grateful that Cheryl entered his life, and Cheryl loved him with equal devotion.

Terry is lovingly remembered by Cheryl; his daughters Heather Crampton (the late Rick Crampton) and Laura Yates (Cory Deschamps); and by Chris Clause and David Clause, whom he loved as his own. He was a proud grandfather to Shelby Crampton, Davis Yates, Brock Yates, Raven Clause, and Storm Clause, each of whom brought him immense joy.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Donna Kasper (Hermann), Lynn Orphan (Mark), and Brian Hawthorne (Sally), along with extended family members and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Terry was predeceased by his sister Sharon Thompson and his parents, Vera McSpadden (née Kennedy) and Stanley McSpadden.

One of Terry's greatest strengths was his ability to maintain meaningful relationships throughout his life. He shared a warm and enduring friendship with his former wife Gail and her husband Steve, enjoying family dinners and vacations in Florida together. Terry understood that family could be defined not only by circumstance, but also by respect, kindness, and enduring affection.

Terry will be deeply missed by the many friends he collected throughout his life, especially Gerald Campbell, Calvin Penney, and Eva Penney, along with countless others who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

If there is one thing those who loved Terry can agree on, it is that he left every room, every gathering, and every life a little brighter than he found it. His humour was infectious, his curiosity endless, and his heart extraordinarily generous. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, integrity, and connection. Though we will miss hearing his stories, sharing his jokes, and being the occasional target of one of his pranks, we take comfort in knowing that somewhere Terry is already introducing himself, asking questions, making new friends, and undoubtedly planning his next practical joke.

He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team at London Health Sciences Centre's Cardiac Program for the compassionate care provided to Terry. A special thank you to Dr. Chu, the dedicated surgical team, and Cardiac ICU nurses Angela and Tyler for their skill, kindness, and unwavering support during a difficult time. Their care and compassion brought comfort not only to Terry, but also to the family members who stood by his side.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or London Health Sciences Centre.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 16, 2026, 2:00 to 5:30 at the Civic Garden Complex, 625 Springbank Drive, London, Ontario.