Terence "Terry" Willard Henker

First born son to Wilda and Willard Henker, Terry spent his early childhood in Barons. The family moved to Granum during his first year at school. His youth was enriched with playing hockey and basketball, and by helping his dad at their garage and IHC dealership. Following his graduation, he ventured to San Diego, California to visit his aunt, and while there, he joined the US Navy, which he enjoyed and served for 4 years. He loved the sea and the life of a sailor, and during his time in the navy he traveled to many parts of the world.  During his enlisted time, he served on the destroyer, USS John R. Craig. Terry attended submarine school in New London, Connecticut; then served as a communications specialist Petty Officer 3rd class aboard the submarine, USS Remora. Upon his honorable discharge in 1961, he returned to Alberta and was employed by AGT for 3 years. His next venture took him to the North where he spent 3 years working as an electrician on the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) defense system in Cambridge Bay. He had many interesting stories of his time spent in the Arctic amongst the Inuit people. Once his desire to see the world was satisfied, Terry returned home to Alberta in 1968, where he joined his father, Willard, and brother, Pat, at their IHC dealership in Claresholm. In 1972 he met his wife, Carol (Sharples), a Claresholm girl. He spent many years working as a partner in the family business. The Henker brothers were anhydrous ammonia distributors and Terry enjoyed his delivery to many farmers in the area. The Henker brothers later acquired the Datsun and Ford franchises, and sold out their dealership in 1986.  During the 10 years that followed, Terry became a partner with the Calderwood brothers in the Western Pride car wash business in Calgary, however, he and Carol continued to live in Claresholm. Terry and Carol were married June 28, 1973, and on that day he became the stepfather to Carol’s 3 young children; Barbara, Don, and Patti. From that day, and for all the years thereafter, he was a great dad in every way; devoted and caring; always ready to protect, to provide, to help, and to enjoy family life together. Many happy holidays were spent winter skiing, camping, water skiing and enjoying trips to the Flathead Valley and to Hawaii together. The grandchildren who blessed the family in later years were a true joy to him.

In 1997 Terry and Carol moved to Cranbrook, where Terry operated a Fas Gas station, and he later built and operated a car wash there.  Finally the time came to retire, so in 2011 they moved back to Claresholm to enjoy life in their home town and in the company of old friends and acquaintances. Terry enjoyed the companionship of his coffee buddies and also spent many happy times playing pool at the Senior’s Drop In. A long retirement was not meant to be. Terry fought a lengthy illness and passed away at 78 years of age on Monday, October 24, 2016, at the Claresholm General Hospital. He will be remembered fondly and forever by his family and friends as the, friendly, loyal, and optimistic guy he always was. Terry is survived by Carol, his wife of 43 years, step daughter, Barbara Henker Larochelle (Paulin) and their 3 children; Geoff, Laura and Matthieu, of Edmonton;  step son Don Henker(Whitney), their children; Grace, Jack and  David of Cranbrook, B.C., and step daughter, Patti Henker of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his brother, Pat( Edie) and their children, all of Calgary. His request was that no public funeral be held.  A Private Family Graveside will occur. Those wishing to make a donation in Terry’s memory may do so to Claresholm & District Transportation Society, PO Box 2076, Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0.