Hanewich: Terry Allen, February 6, 1953 – May 15, 2020

Terry died suddenly on May 15, 2020, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the age of 67. He was born in Calgary on February 6, 1953, the elder son of Staffania and Alex Hanewich.

Terry’s early years in Oyen were spent playing hockey, driving his motorcycle and helping his Grandpa Mike Hanewich around his old blacksmith shop and working on the farm after school.

His early passion for music had him learning and playing guitar and drums. He played the drums for many start-up bands and well established bands around Calgary including local jam sessions around Oyen.

A greater passion was carving and working with stone. Unlike most farmers who hate stones in any form, Terry was always picking various types, studying and stockpiling them whether they were a one kilo or one tonne!

This passion for working in stone inspired him to make a trip to Florence, Italy and on to Carrara to procure a block of its famous marble. He had the marble shipped back to his studio where he carved a beautiful bust of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Feeling claustrophobic in his small house in Oyen, Terry decided in the late 1980s to build his own house and yard out on his home quarter at the farm. Terry was very proud that his house was built almost entirely on his own. A lot of the stones, which he had stockpiled, were used for the house foundation. He spent countless hours tending young trees to grow in the middle of a drought.

Careful attention to his garden and many fruit trees took much of his time but the subsequent pride in a good batch of chokecherry or plum wine was worth it.

If he needed a break, a quick trip to the river for fishing and relaxing along the riverbank with a packed lunch was in order but he was a people person and loved to chat and meet with friends, relatives and strangers. On his many cross country and cross-continent driving trips with the old 1977 Ford with camper, he could listen and make friends easily with his open and caring manner.

In 1996, he married Joanne Holoida and they lived on the farm.

Terry was a long-time member, secretary-treasurer and maintenance man for Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Oyen. He also served as president of the Studio 9/41 Art Club for many years helping to organize and set up shows and a member of the Oyen Historical Society.

Sadly, recent health issues recently kept him from many of his interests and being able to get out to meet with family, friends and relatives which he enjoyed so much.

Terry crafted many stone monuments around Oyen, especially his ‘Prairie Castle’ at the entrance to the farm will stand for centuries as a memorial to his amazing work and craft.

The family would like to sincerely thank all the nurses, caregivers and doctors at the Oyen Hospital for the care and compassion Terry received earlier this year while in their good care.

Terry is survived by his mother Staffania Hanewich and brother Murray Hanewich both of Oyen, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Terry was predeceased by his father Alex Hanewich in 2004.

A private service was held for the family on Thursday, May 21, at the Oyen United Church in Oyen. Officiating clergies were Rev. Helen Reed and Rev. Dr. Catherine Holland.

Pallbearers were Allen Christianson, Harry Scott, Daryl Shaver, Jordon Christianson, Curtis Christianson, and Murray Hanewich. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Scott, Darcy Kraft, and all of Terry’s many friends, family and neighbours who cared and shared in his life.

Memorial donations may be directed to Oyen United Church, Box 392, Oyen or District Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen or All Saints Anglican Church, Box 265, Oyen.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.