Terence Layard Wolfe-Milner, QGM
4 December, 1942 – 9 January 2016
Terry’s three year journey down the path of dementia ended with his peaceful passing at Greenwoods Complex Care Facility on Salt Spring Island.
Born and raised on Salt Spring, Terry had two passions – sailing and aviation. After high school, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, trained as a helicopter pilot and served in various Naval Operational and Training Squadrons, at sea and ashore. Terry resigned his Commission with the unification of the Armed Forces, and continued flying helicopters in many places: Canada, Australia, SE Asia, the Middle East and a lengthy period in the Shetland Islands and the UK, supporting offshore oil production. For his part in the 1975 rescue of personnel from an adrift North Sea oil platform, he was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace.
After moving back to Canada, when he wasn’t travelling around the world providing aviation expertise to industry, Terry was sailing BC’s waters. In 1998, he set off on what would be an eight year cruise of the Pacific waters, from Cape Horn to the South China Sea. On his return to Canada, he took up residence on Salt Spring.
Terry is survived by brothers Brian (Fiona) and Patrick (Shelley), and long time sailing companion Barbara. The family is grateful for the outstanding quality of care given Terry by the staff at Greenwoods Care Facility and Lady Minto Hospital. Donations, in memory of Terry, to the Greenwoods Foundation would be most appreciated. A family wake will be held in the future.