Terry Carscadden died peacefully in the arms of his family in Sudbury on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at the age of 89 years. He was a doctor, a teacher, a joyous skier, and an avid golfer. He was kind and witty, and he gave himself generously to his family and the patients for whom he cared.
He had a curiosity that made him well-versed in all things mechanical, the human body, phone technology, YouTube clips, and violins and violin makers, to mention a few of his many interests.
Son of the late Mabel (Ewing) and late Melville Carscadden of Sault Ste Marie, Ont. Terry attended Alex Muir Public School and graduated from Sault Collegiate. He went to Queen’s University to study mechanical engineering but his career path meandered, and he graduated with a medical degree in 1964.
Beloved husband of Sylvia Grace (Black). They were married in Applewood United Church in August 1959. Loving father of Susan Carscadden-Mifsud (Paul Mifsud), Barbara Maki (Bill), Ron Carscadden (Natalie), and Janine Carscadden (Eva Ekeroth). Inspiring grandpa to Kenny Maki (Emily Duhaime), Scott Maki (Cassandra Rees), Heidi Maki (Max Ryan), Sophie, Callum and Roman Carscadden. Brother of Alan Carscadden and the late Robert Carscadden. Brother-in-law to the late Betty (Agnew) Carscadden, late Norma (Lamon) Carscadden, late Peter and Susan Black, and Catherine Black.
After interning at Toronto Western Hospital, Terry and Sylvia and their young family moved to Lively, Ont. where he joined the Lively Medical Centre with Doctors Jack Marlow and Peter Bayly. He was a respected family physician who retired from his family practice in 2005, continuing to work in clinics until 2014. He described those 45 years as a 'wonderful career.'
Sports gave Terry’s life shape and focus. His first love was skiing, then he switched to driving fast; later he took up golf with a vengeance. He loved hockey and played with the Sudbury Hardocs. Finally, he bought the first laser sailboat in the Sudbury area and learned to sail.
He believed that he could learn anything by reading books and taking lessons from the 'experts.' Consequently, he nurtured a relationship and golfed with Sam Snead in 1992, and skied with Nancy Greene and Ernie McCullough.
He was a violinist and played in the Sault Symphonette, the Kingston and Sudbury Symphony Orchestras and the Jubilee Folk Group. He sang in church choirs all his life, and he and Sylvia were regulars at the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound. He was the best roadie for Kampana Bells, Sylvia’s handbell choir.
He taught his children and grandchildren to golf and ski. In the summer they shared rounds of golf and endless miles of water skiing and boating at the 'camp' on Long Lake, a favourite spot for friends and family.
On his 80th birthday, Terry led a long line in formation, of those he had taught to ski, down a run at Searchmont.
His short teaching career at Alex Muir School in Sault Ste Marie left an indelible mark on his students, whom he encouraged to move ahead in an enrichment program that marked their lives with great opportunity and success. He was described as lively, dynamic, and supportive of his students.
The family wishes to thank Doctors Christine Clendenning, Jo-Anne Clarke, Candice Walton, and Sandra Black. Special thanks to Chris, his personal support worker. The family is grateful for the multidisciplinary team of Home and Community Care Clinics, North East, and Bayshore Home Care whose coordination of support allowed us to share meaningful time with Terry/dad/grandpa.
Donations in honour of Terry may be made to: St Andrew’s United Church and/or Doctors Without Borders