Terry Alfred Thoreson
May 13th, 2016
THORESON, Terry
August 28, 1965 - May 13, 2016
It is difficult to accept your passing, even with our faith (something that we knew you shared with us). An ultimate loss that changes life. We are greatful for the flowers you gave to us on Mother’s Day in 2016 that continue to bloom. We love you and miss you so much. When we hear your favorite song, “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” it always brings a
smile to our faces. Love from mom and your brother, Blaine (Susan).
***********
Terry Thoreson, aged 50 years, passed away suddenly at the Thoreson QH Ranch in Claresholm, AB doing what he so dutifully always had done, helping his father.
Terry will be eternally missed by his partner, Rachel; and his beloved, Rip, his constant companion; mother, Julie Thoreson and brother, Blaine; close friends, Darren (Jodi) Bennett, Ed Stair, Gordon (Rosemary) Church; everyone at the Church Feedlot; his friends at the Rocking Horse Diner in Balzac; as well as his many friends and loyal clients.
Terry was born in Calgary but spent most of his years in Balzac and Airdrie. Terry’s fondest memories were of his summers with Trapper John, learning to hunt and shoot. Terry’s love and knowledge of horses drew him to his chosen career of third generation Master Farrier, a career he excelled in and executed masterfully. Terry had a gift with horses and animals, which led him to travels all over the world. He was a man of many talents, stuntman, actor, model, stockman, horse trainer and farrier.
Terry will be fondly remembered for his sunny disposition. A man of integrity, honor, loyalty and wisdom. An observer of humankind. A handsome, old fashioned country gentleman whose kindness knew no bounds.
Terry spent his final days with Rachel and Rip, enjoying time at his father’s ranch and attending to his loyal clients in caring for their horses.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to:
Tails to Tell Animal Rescue
PO Box 1516, Crossfield, AB, T0M 0S0.
Messages:
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Terry. Terry was my farrier for many years and was one of the kindest and funniest people I know. Terry treated my gelding (whom he affectionately called 'donkey') with gentleness for years. Terry always went above and beyond with his kindness - Terry offered my ex his medical cast/boot when he needed it for an injury and didn't yet have Canadian healthcare. Terry was there for me when I went through a very hard time, he called me to check on me every so often and give me encouragement, and it meant a lot to me that he did this. He had such a kind and giving nature. I still remember giving Terry some homemade liqueur and him telling me he was going to drink it on the way home and let his dog drive, lol. I will remember his stories forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel, and I could tell that they were both completely smitten with each other. My condolences to Rachel and Terry's family and friends. He will be missed!
Hi Aunt Babe this is April Akkerman. I am really sorry about your loss, I would have contacted you sooner but I just read about it today. I would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Blaine. If you would like to talk please feel free to email me anytime. Sincerely April
My condolences are to Julie as I remember when her and Merv were first married and had the two boys. Mr Akkerman taught Merv how to show horses and the kids were taught respect at am early age. By the comments Terry knew how to treat a lady. Julie was the rock in the family and Terry was her rock Such a tragedy none of us will understand RIP Terry your dues are paid the horses will rest now
Dear Julie We and Roger and Stephen were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Terry. God Bless you in your sorrow
To my dear friend Rachel, my heart absolutely breaks for you. Our many chats usually included a story about Terry so I know you were a kind, gentle and generous man. I thought soul mates were only in the movies but you two were the real deal. You were both so good to his dad too, from fixing fences to making butter milk biscuits and everything in between. Take comfort in the many friends you have and your furry friends Conner and Rip. Terry, I wish we could have met in person. Rest in peace and watch over Rachel.
So sorry to hear of such a loss. My condolences to Rachel, and to all of those who knew Terry. I am at a loss to express my regrets for a man who so clearly brought joy and happiness to so many.
We were shocked and sadden to hear of the sudden passing of Terry and his Dad. Terry was not only our farrier for 15+ years, but was also a friend. We will miss him greatly. We have three little mini donkeys and a small pony that will miss his gentle and caring ways. Our heartfelt condolences to the Thoreson family and to Rachel. Thank you Terry for enriching so many lives........................R.I.P.
I’m so thankful to have had Terry as my farrier this past year. Since first meeting him I knew he was a very special person with an incredibly kind and gentle spirit. From our conversations while working on my horse, I knew he was a man who deeply cherished his friends and loved ones. I appreciated his willingness to listen, understand and always try to help. Thank you Terry for all you brought to the lives of the people and animals around you. I pray that those closest to Terry - Rachel, family and friends will find peace and comfort.
The last time we saw you 2012 you looked your best at Justin&Shellys wedding.That is the image that we shall remember.The 20 years that we knew you,we had some very interesting conversations.The one about Perky dog food was a highlight and will forever be etched in our memory.Your love of speeding on Highway 1 was a personal favorite of Lloyd's.
Sending my condolences to Terry's family. You will be missed and our long chats while trimming our little herds hooves. RIP my friend.
Deepest condolences to the Thoreson family on Terry's passing. Terry was my farrier for many years, he was patient and professional and had a great sense of humour. He will be missed by myself and everyone at Flying U Ranch.
Deepest condolences to Rachel and Terry's family and dear friends. Terry was my 5 year old gelding's first and only farrier. Charlie is a character and often tried to chew on Terry's rear end during sessions, often resulting in a gruff "Hey, never you mind Mr!". It became almost a ritual between them and despite Charlie's antics, Terry was always patient and consistent with him. My gelding had many easy-going, no drama trims with Terry that have set him up for a lifetime of good manners for our next farrier. Terry was always happy to share his knowledge and I will miss him dearly (so will Charlie).
We only had you for a short time in our life Terry but, you left us all with broken hearts. I thank you for making our daughter Rachel the happiest she had been in years. You gave her so much Love, Strength and Trust something that no other man gave her.What a Wonderful Kind and Gentle man you were Terry. So hard to believe your gone. We know your spirit lives on and you will be watching over Rachel as you did in this life. Gone but, you will never be forgotten Terry. R. I. P.
Terry, we will miss our great visits while you trimmed our horses. Gary and I and you had such a nice visit 3 weeks ago; it was really wonderful to see that smile in your eyes again so glad we were able to have done this. We feel so grateful to have known you these past many years. Happy Trails my friend. Cynthia and Gary
My deepest condolences to those who knew Terry best. Terry has been my farrier for more than 15 years. During that time he patiently tolerated "Weazley's" idiosyncrasies; commenting about his "dancing & shaking", while making sure he was well out of the way of the many droppings that would happen. As good as Terry was with horses, he was even better with people. Once I couldn't catch my horse for a trim, but rather than re-schedule, Terry came out to the field to help me catch him. Uncannily prompt, always with a smile on his face and a story or update to tell, I loved my visits with Terry. Terry, I hope you're aboard Clara II, lazily floating on one of heavens' many beautiful lakes with a cold one in your hand. I am so profoundly saddened. Heaven must have needed a cowboy in a hurry. You are missed more than you know, but will be remembered always and thought about with a smile. Thanks for touching my life, " 'Til next time". Susan Schulmeister, Calgary
I went to school with Terry in Airdrie...I was very sad about the news but also very shocked...My condolence go out to his friends and my heart goes out to his best friend Rachel who was his whole world. One thing I will always believe is, that in this life there is no such thing as good byes...we are just passing through...until we met again...
Our condolences to your family and Rachel such a shame to have found happiness again but taken away so suddenly. Will miss our many conversations solving the problems of the world over our coffee and baileys.
It was such a shock to hear of Terry's passing. Terry will be dearly missed,for his humour,quick witt, friendship and expertise as a farrier. Rachel the day before you and Terry left for the ranch he was here shoeing our horses and as he had said in the past,,,,Rachel is one in a million! I know he dearly loved you,,he didn't even have to say it,anyone who knew him well could hear it in his voice and see the sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of you.❤️ Rachel and Terrys family we are very sorry for your loss.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Rachel, whom we met once and realized just how happy you two were. Know our thoughts & prayers are with you and Terry's family.
Terry was the best our horse Allie will miss him alot. He was always a gentlemen when myself and Dee dealt with him.Terry will be missed greatly, my thoughts and prayers to his loved ones. May the Lord watch over you and help you greave.
My heartfelt condolences to Terry's family and loved ones. A good ferrier is hard to come by and Terry was one of the best. His calm, steady way with the animals and his knowledge, stories and pleasant smile for his customers made him special. He will be missed.
So heart broken to hear the news of Terry's passing. My deepest condolences to Rachel and to Terry's family. I never met you, Rachel but I know how much joy you brought to Terry's life. He will be greatly missed.
Terry was a wonderful man. He always had the biggest smile and best stories to tell while trimming horses. It sounds like he had a lovely lady by his side (Rachael) - my thoughts and prayers are with her, and Terry's family.
I was so sad to hear about this. We knew Tery from the Flying U. He trimmed Beauty many times. Roy too. I'm sorry to all who were close to him.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of so lovely of a man. He was not only a wonderful farrier, but a good friend and wise advice giver. He will be sorely missed.
So sad my condolences to the family. Please say hi to Denise for me Terry tell her I miss her and give Lori a hug for me as well you have so many looking forward to seeing you again, and yet more missing you.
My condolences to Terry's family and friends. Terry will be missed tremendously. A memory I have of Terry is calling my Arab buttercup when she had one of her bad hair days. I will miss the conversations and his gentleness he had around the horses at Flying U. I have great memories of conversations and of him working so patiently with my horse. RIP
So very sad.... Growing up on the feedlot, Terry really was a big brother to me. He was a quiet presence, with a great smile and laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him.
So sorry to here of Terry's passing. Much to young. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Terry started as my farrier, became my teacher/mentor and a good friend. Our monthly conversations covered everything, he helped me see the horse from the foot up. He had a talent for the horse few will ever attain. He was honest, philosophical, funny a great story teller.... and yes I heard many about his other clients! So I too probably became one. I loved hearing his stories about his dad and many times suggested he sounded just like him. He had a tough past few years yet you wouldn't have known it if you didn't ask - there was a decided change in the man when Rachel entered his life. I will miss him greatly. Nancy & the whole herd
Our condolences to Rachael, and Terry's family for your loss. You will be missed.
Deepest condolences to the family and to Rachel who made Terry smile. We have so much gratitude for Terry and the great care he took with all of our horses. He was always there when you needed him and will be deeply missed by all those lives he impacted. You will be missed. Blessings
Terry was a favorite customer for many years and a warm, wonderful friend who will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and those who loved him. Sincerely, Bev
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Terry's sudden death, especially when life seemed to have changed for him, putting a smile back on his face - thanks to Rachel! Terry took such good care of our horses over the years, and especially my donkeys, who actually learnt to tolerate him. He reckoned it would take ten years before the jack could be trimmed without having a leg tied up - but it was a much shorter time than that, as Terry won the donkey's respect. On the donkeys' behalf, in Terry's memory, a donation has been made to Safe Haven for Donkeys. Rest in peace, Terry. You will be missed.
Terry had a knack for colourful stories and a charisma like no other. He has a voice that will forever remain in my head and memories shared that will remain in my heart. Rest in absolute peace Terry.
Our deepest sympathies to Rachael, Terry's family and friends. We loved him as our ferrier. He had a deep intuitive knowledge of his trade. We'll miss you.
Terry, there is so much I wish I could say to you. Oh, how I will deeply miss your teddy bear loving, caring personality and hilarious impersonations. Thank you so very much for loving and protecting Rachel with every cell of your being (as she did the same also). I know you had never been this happy in your life...as you said so, and that alone brings so much joy to my heart. My deepest condolences go to Rachel and your loving and caring friends. We will miss you more than you can ever imagine Terry.!
Condolences to my friend Rachel, family and to everyone that Terry has touched with his short life. RIP Terry.
The Rockin Horse Cafe will never be the same without you Terry. We loved seeing your smiling face almost every day for breakfast & lunch. You will be greatly missed and remembered always!! Rest in Peace our dear loyal customer and friend. Our deepest sympathy to Rachel and Terry's family.
Dear Rachel Kelly and I send our deepest sympathies to you and Terry's family. Our hearts ache for your loss. Terry was a good friend and farrier and all round great guy. We will miss him. His life was so happy with you in it! God bless. Donna & Kelly
Rachel, my heart is absolutely broken for you. Terry was one of the best.
Many fond memories! Sadly missed!
aaaaaah Terry ~ Thank you. Thank you for the years of friendship, thank you for the years of caring for my ponies, thank you for loving and taking such good care of my beautiful friend Rachel. Seemed your life was really just beginning when you two met and oh, how much fun it was to watch you two fall in love and see a twinkle in your eyes I hadn't seen in years. You made Rach so happy and Rach made you so happy. Your time together and your time here on earth was much much much too short. I'm gonna miss ya, friend. A LOT! My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Rachel, Blaine & Susan and Julie and all of Terry's other family and friends. Rest easy my friend, Godspeed.......
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Thoreson family for the loss of their loved ones. We have known Terry for many years now and will miss his kindness, humour and good sense.
My heartfelt condolences May the loving memories light your way down a path of comfort and peace . With Deepest Sympathy R.I.P. my friend and you will never be forgotten in your HEARTS forever tell we meet again
Terry was a very special man. We were so glad he was in your life Rachel. Savor the many sweet memories you shared together. Was always nice to have him stop by for a short visit when he was a very young guy in high school. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Sincere sympathy from Marilyn & Ray.
Our deepest sympathy to Rachel, Terry's family and all his many friends. Jeff & Barb Robson
I never met you Terry, but I know you made my cousin Rachel happy. Rest in peace
Loved Terry as a farrier. He was always there when you needed him. condolences to his family and friends.
My heart is heavy & one of my Best friends has left this planet way too soon. With his caring heart & great sense of humor & love for Life & sharp HorseMan Skills; you will be missed my dear Friend & I will always keep a part of you in my Heart! All my love, Carrie (nee Johnstone) Langland & Family
My heartfelt condolences to the Thoreson and Akerman's. Terry was a humble quiet soul with a passion for the country-cowboy lifestyle. R.I.P. Terry you will be remembered always!
Rachel we're thinking of you and Terry today. It was 1 year ago today that Terry was here trimming our horses, I think of you two often, it's still unbelievable,,so very sorry for your loss,,for all our loss. Terry was an awesome guy,,told me what a wonderful woman you were and how happy he was that you two were together. He was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with you,, the true love of his life. I pray life for you and Rip is getting easier, I know you miss Terry dearly. Saying a prayer for you both, and of course Rip too. Hugs Jane and Dave