Terrance Mcnulty

McNulty, Terrance

Terrance Dennis McNulty, 74, of North Gower, Ontario, passed away on February 20, 2021 surrounded by love and support of his family.  He was the loving husband and best friend to Janet McNulty (nee Stewart) and everyone’s “Uncle Terry”.

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Terry was the youngest son to Patrick and Gertrude McNulty.  As a boy Terry was loyal and energetic.  He was well loved by his siblings, Patricia, James, Timothy, Murray, Phyllis, and Donna.  Terry was fiercely passionate about family and his interests were diverse.

Terry was an adventurer from a young age.  His uncle had shares in a mine is western Canada so in the mid-60s Terry headed west.  As the adventure played out, Terry began to long for the people and places back home.  By the late 60’s he was back in the Ottawa valley working as a machinist.  Terry met his match in a co-worker named Janet Stewart and they married in 1969.  Over the next 51 years, Terry and Janet developed an incredible partnership.  They raised 3 sons, ran a business, invested time and energy in their extended family, and became the beloved uncle and aunt of all subsequent generations.

In his busiest years, Terry worked as an independent trucker alternating between road construction and home fuel delivery based on the season.  He told many stories about hauling a heavy fuel hose through snow or maneuvering his large truck into tight spaces.  During this time, Terry and Janet were blessed with 3 sons, Patrick, Chad, and Derek. As time and life moved on the boys found their matches with Diane (Patrick), Tracy (Derek) and Briana (Chad).  Patrick and Diane added two beautiful grand children to the family, Tyler, and Shawna. Terry loved his grand children wholeheartedly, and with Janet spent many quality hours helping and watching these kids grow into adulthood.

Terry was always meticulous about his work and projects.  He could build or renovate anything, from painting a room to building a house and everything in between.  Terry turned his talents and passion into an independent contracting business.  Throughout the Ottawa valley there are many homeowners who could describe this charming, kind, and fun man who completed projects for them.  Terry often worked with his best friend and brother-in-law Ralph Stewart (Sharon).  He liked to share stories of his exploits with Ralph, at work or play, which left his listeners smiling.

Terry loved music.  He practiced guitar and banjo for countless hours and knew dozens of songs that he’d play for family and friends at frequent gatherings.  He shared stories about the songs as he’d focus on one or two listeners, intent on making a connection, a memory for the listener.   He took his show on the road with his father-in-law, Emerson Stewart, performing at seniors’ homes. Terry inspired others, young and old, to pick up a guitar or banjo to try it out.  He built wooden banjos and strum sticks that he shared with family and friends.

Terry was a true artist.  He’d see a bird bursting into flight and say, “I’m going to carve that”!  Amazingly he did carve that and many other beautiful works.  His mind always saw the possibilities and challenges of designing and creating.  He studied the works of celebrated carvers and he’d marvel at their talent, but he was always humble about his own creations.  Most of the time Terry’s artistic medium was wood, but he also worked his magic on people.  He looked them in the eye, he struck up a conversation, he stayed positive, he teased playfully, he listened generously, and he loved absolutely.

As per Terry’s wishes no services will be held to commemorate his passing.  Family and friends, please raise a glass to toast a life well lived, “Terry McNulty you were a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, surrogate dad and friend. We will miss you and love you forever”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Terry’s name to cancer research