Terry (Terrence) Pankiw, 69 years young, ended his fight with cancer March 20, 2018, surrounded by his family and close friends, at his home that he built with his own hands.
His parents John and Ruby Pankiw, as well as his older brother Dennis Pankiw precede Terry. He is survived by the love of his life Cynthia, daughter Chelsey (Rob), son Clayton, brothers Myron (Sue) and Marko, Grandson Lars, nieces Kaitlyn (Jerry), Lindsey (Derek), Ashley, Karen (Kris), Jayne, Kaitlyn’s children (Jacob, Jayse and Audrey), and his best dog ever, Buddy.
Terry was a larger than life, self-made, prominent businessman with “3 years of grade 9”. His involvement in a variety of successful business ventures had created a large network of friends from all walks of life. As a young railroad laborer by day and local bouncer by night, he lived off a diet of almost exclusively Kraft Dinner and wieners. Later, he apprenticed as an electrician. His career was cut short when he realized he didn’t make a very good “yes-man”.
He went on to own a variety of businesses including electrical contractor, snow removal, motor vehicle dealer, addiction treatment center, restaurants and other various commercial ventures. After beating cancer in his early 40’s, Terry chose to live life as big as he could. His most lively projects he was involved in included the Grand Beach rock concert “Summerfest” and nightclubs: Mustang Sally’s, Vivid and Coyotes.
While simultaneously working tirelessly on multiple businesses, Terry figured out how to live his life as the celebrity Rockstar he aspired to be.
He loved motorcycles and had several custom bikes, which always had to be the loudest and fastest in town. He enjoyed the rides and the friendships he made with his Thursday Nite brothers. He will always be remembered for his definition of “maintenance”, often using plastic zip ties, black electrical tape or wire to hold his belongings together.
Terry loved his children to the ends of the earth and always gave all he had to do anything he could do to help them. He got to see his daughter (Chelsey) happy and well taught from the school of “hard knocks” and academia, where she then grew into a self-sufficient woman and mother. He got to cherish a bond he made with his son (Clayton) over early mornings in the hunting blind and during long, cold winters in the shop. He embraced the few years he got to share with his grandson Lars.
Terry was rough, quick to anger, quick to forgive and absolutely lacked a filter. He spoke his mind and said it like it was – which became an admirable quality of a trusted friend to many. Though he was rough around the edges, he had a heart of gold. He was funny and had unbelievable stories that created shock, awe and usually waves of laughter. He was loved or at least remembered by all who crossed his path.
Terry spent the last part of his life semi-retired at his Florida retirement home; where the door was always open to almost anyone he passed on the street. It was his dream home that he thoroughly enjoyed with all his amazing FL friends. All will forever cherish those years.
In those hard, last many months, he was awed at the help and love bestowed upon him and Cynthia from friends near and far. Things will surely be different without his huge presence but know, he did it all and he did it HIS way. We know he will be well received and loved by his new friends above and the adventures and stories will continue for lifetimes to come. Honey, Dad, Brother, Papa, Uncle and Friend you will be forever loved and missed.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday June 9, 2018 at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Parish – 505 Watt Street, with eulogies and lunch to follow across the street at the Parish Centre. A motorcycle procession will leave Gaffers in Lockport at 11 am, escorting his cremains to the church.
Terry was a big supporter of organ donation and would like everyone to honour his memory by signing up to be an organ donor at signupforlife.ca.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Terry’s name to either CancerCare Manitoba or Transplant Manitoba.
Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services.