Obituaries

October 28, 1948 - February 27, 2025


Terry Britton, a man whose life was a masterclass in service, dedication, and heart, passed away at the age of 76, on February 27, 2025.

Born on October 28, 1948, in Edmonton, Alberta, Terry made his mark on this world in a way few ever do. He wasn’t just a man of many talents - he was a man of action. He trained in a variety of careers, from culinary school to becoming a member of the RCMP. But, it wasn't until he became a firefighter that it felt right, and he served as one for 29 years. He didn’t just fight fires; he built bonds, he led with integrity, and he spent 18 years standing tall in the Honour Guard, ensuring those who served were never forgotten. Outside of uniform, (and for over 40 years), Terry dedicated himself to the Okanagan Sun junior football team, shaping young athletes, not just in sport but in life. For 30 years, he also patrolled the snowy slopes of Big White Ski Resort with the Canadian Ski Patrol, ensuring safety for those chasing adventure. Speaking of adventure, well, that was Terry’s second nature. Hiking, skiing, biking, swimming - if it was outdoors, he was in his element.

Beyond the endless hours of service and volunteering, Terry was a family man. For 48 years, he shared a love story with Sheila, one built on laughter, respect, and a bit of playful stubbornness. He was the proud father of Sarah (Cedric) and David (Audra) and the adoring grandfather of Cole and Calla, who knew him not just as Papa but as their biggest cheerleader. He also leaves behind his siblings: Carl, Karen, Tanis, and Lee, who knew him first as the brother who could always be counted on, and later as the man whose presence filled a room with warmth and humour,

Terry’s life was one of purpose, of giving more than he ever took, and of ensuring that no one (not friend, stranger, or teammate) ever felt alone. His significance isn’t just in the places he served; it’s in the people he touched, the community he strengthened, and the stories we’ll tell for years to come.

So, let’s not say goodbye. Let’s say thank you. Thank you, Terry, for showing us what it means to serve with honour, to love without reservation, and to live without regret.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kelowna Firefighters Charitable Society, kelownafirefighters.com.

A Celebration of Life, will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM (PDT), at Trinity Church. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

To view the Livestream recording or send the family condolences, please visit the obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/britton-terry (click matching link below).

• Mar 15, 2025
  My condolences to Terry's family. Just yesterday I was looking at our class picture of 1966 from Ardrossan High School - what great memories! My thoughts are with you. - Marian (Komant) Gruber
• Mar 15, 2025
  Sheila and family,
  
  Our deepest condolences for your loss. Terry was a special person who cared deeply about community; he will be missed but leaves a legacy of kindness. It was always a pleasure seeing and talking to Terry. Jim and Karen Bates - Jim Bates
• Mar 14, 2025
  Sheila and family
  
  I have never met and became friends with a more beautiful couple! I am shocked and so sorry for your loss. Terry was the absolute, most positive and sincere man I have ever known. We had shared your dinner dates in all the restaurants I had and you both will be missed! Take comfort in the memories as we all will and there are many. - Bart Dorssers
• Mar 14, 2025
  Sheila & family,
  
  I am shocked and saddened at your loss of Terry. I remember first meeting you and Terry back in the day at Fitness First aerobics class. You were such a friendly couple and I always enjoyed our chats before class. When I attended Ladies Night Out, put on by the Fire Department, there would be Terry with that wonderful smile and kind greeting. May your loving memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
  
  Barb Roberts - Barbara Roberts
• Mar 14, 2025
  I am sorry for your loss. I first met Terry close to 30 years ago when he joined the B.C.D.s. We had a lot in common and became good friends for a few years, then we both left the army reserve and I later moved away from Kelowna. He told me many stories that I still remember. "Ne Oublie". I wish we had stayed in touch.
  
  Rest in Peace. - Brent Kotelmach
• Mar 14, 2025
  Terry left his mark on our community by his actions not his words; always with a welcoming smile. He never stopped working to make our city a better place.
  
  Dick and I were very happy when Sheila and Terry agreed to curling with us for a year in the mix league. Our sympathy to Sheila and family.
  
  Dick and Merle Auty - Merle Auty
• Mar 14, 2025
  Dear Sheila and family. I was shocked and so sad to hear of Terry’s sudden passing. He always had that big smile on his face and greeted me with such warmth whenever I ran into him. He will be missed by so many. Deepest condolences. Cathy Auburn - Cathy Auburn
• Mar 13, 2025
  Sheila, Sarah and David. My heart breaks to hear of Terrys passing. He was a genuine human being on every level. You will be missed Terry. Donna Gottselig and family
• Mar 13, 2025
  Dear Sheila and Family,Heartfelt Sympathy,my late husband Dave was an Advanced Life Support Paramedic and Always said how Wonderful Terry was Helping them out,and Sheila we shared many a laugh at KGH about our Guys and our Careers ,big Hugs Darlene Kuhn - Darlene Kuhn
• Mar 13, 2025
  It was indeed a pleasure to have known Terry and his dedication to the Okanagan Sun. He was always helping in many ways in addition to his therapist assistance.
  
  A super positive, smiling person that will be missed by all that knew him.
  
  Thank You so much Terry! - Lorne Ettinger
• Mar 12, 2025
  Hi Sheila, Sarah, and David. I will be there Friday, and I thought that I should send this to you now, rather than trying to convey it on a very busy day.
  
  August 13, 1983...around 9:30pm. A turning point in my life. As I lay on the field in Richmond, my left knee blown apart, Terry was the first medical staff to get to me. "What is it Billy ?" "it's my left knee, and it's serious" I was looking up at him, and he said "we will be the judge of that" It didn't take long for he and Shawn O'Reilly to assess the damage, and they called for a stretcher.
  
  We were close to Richmond General Hospital, and an ambulance arrived fairly quickly. In we went, Terry was with me. He did not leave my side. Literally holding my hand. Once the assessment was done at the hospital, they knew surgery needed to be as soon as possible. They were prepared to do it there, but Terry & Shawn said no...the best orthopedic surgeon in the country was in Kelowna, Dr Lance Richards.
  
  Terry loved the players, every one of them. I knew that as a player and experienced it first hand. I knew it when I coached, and I knew it when I was on the Executive. The players were everything, and he cared deeply. He would never let a player do something without being fully informed. As a coach, he kept us fully up to speed on the health of players, and what he felt was the best for the player. As a player you knew he saw you as more than the cog in the team wheel...you were a person.
  
  The drive back to Kelowna was 6 hours, I was full of Demerol and gravol. Most of the trip is pretty foggy...Shawn driving the van, Terry in the passenger seat. However, what is very clear in my head...is at some point in the trip Terry turned in the passenger seat, looked at me, and mustered all the caring, empathy and compassion he could , and said ...'for the love of God, will you just shut up !"
  
  A life changing day for me, sent me in a completely uncharted and unplanned direction. I could not have had a better person to be with me the entire day. As many times as I have thanked him for that day, I wish I could have said it one more time - Bill Long
• Mar 12, 2025
  Sheila and Family
  
  We didn't see each other a lot but when I ran into Terry or both of you it was so easy to pick up where we left off. You were a great team and Terry was a great guy who will be missed! Hugs to you all!
  
  Allan Elliott - Allan Elliott
• Mar 12, 2025
  One word..LEGEND! - Pat mulligan
• Mar 12, 2025
  I've known Terry for 30+ years through our involvement with the Okanagan Sun. Terry is one of few, actually the only volunteer who has been dedicated to the team since day 1 in 1981. Amazing when you think about it.
  
  Terry wasn't a big presence in his role as an athletic therapist, he was always understated in his way. You simply wouldn't hear anyone have a bad thing to say about Terry...he always had a smile to offer whoever he saw at the Apple Bowl.
  
  We are going to miss him so much and a generation of Sun players who are in other cities now are no doubt thinking about him as well. Rest in peace Terry - Blake Roberts
• Mar 11, 2025
  Sheila and Family, so sorry to hear about Terry, I too worked with Terry while with the KFD. He was always doing some project around the hall. I remember him active in Minor Football and certainly with the Sun. All-round good guy, lots of fun, He will be missed.
  
  Take care.
  
  - Gord Strachan
• Mar 11, 2025
  Sheila, Sarah and David, our condolences on Terry's passing. He was a wonderful man, and friend. - Jim & Irene Cronin
• Mar 11, 2025
  Terry had a big heart and he was a class guy
  
  I always enjoyed talking to him
  
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you
  
  Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic
• Mar 11, 2025
  Dear Sheila, Sarah, and David, we are so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbour, and such a valuable member of our city. Sending you all much love and hugs. - Elaine & Marty Walker
• Mar 11, 2025
  Dear Britton family,
  
  Terry’s dedication to others was admirable to say the least and will be immensely missed.
  
  Praying for peace.
  
  The Oishi family - Larry, Lori and Kobe Oishi
• Mar 11, 2025
  Sheila and family,
  
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
  
  RIP Terry
  
  Wally and Evelyn Buhman - Wally and Evelyn Buhman
• Mar 11, 2025
  Very sad to hear of Terry's passing. RIP Terry.
  
  Thinking of you Sheila.
  
  Helen ( from Dr. Blacks Office ) - Helen Munro
• Mar 11, 2025
  Sheila and Family...So sorry to hear of Terry's passing. I first met Terry through involvement with Kelowna Minor Football and later the Okanagan Sun. I was always impressed with Terry's dedication to his career and the football club. He will be missed in the community. - Doug and Janet Amundrud
• Mar 11, 2025
  Sheila and family,
  
  I was shocked and saddened by Terry’s sudden passing. Our deepest sympathies to you.
  
  I had the privilege of knowing Terry for multiple decades. He was warm, welcoming and had an extraordinary ethical rudder. Terry was the ultimate giver in life: to family, to work, to youth and to honour.
  
  He was a great role model for myself and many others in the community. Above all, he was fun to be around….. that twinkle in his eye and great sense of humour. I will miss you deeply. - Milt Stevenson
• Mar 11, 2025
  What a beautiful tribute for a wonderful man. We are shocked and saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. He was always such an upbeat guy and will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you, Sheila.
  
  Raye and Dave Swanzey - Raye and Dave Swanzey
• Mar 10, 2025
  Sheila and Family,
  
  I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Terry. Since I have been a City Councillor I have admired Terry and learned much from him about the Fire Hall, our incredible Firefighters and of course, the Honour Guard.
  
  I thank him for all those valuable teachings, which have helped me through City Council.
  
  Councillor Maxine DeHart
  
  My sincere condolences
  
  Councillor Maxine DeHart - Maxine DeHart
• Mar 10, 2025
  Sheila, Sarah, David and family , words cannot express our sorrow for your loss of Terry, husband and father and friend. He was a man, bigger than life and always such a positive person He was so proud of his family, which he felt was his biggest accomplishment, seconded by his time with KFD. It was an honor to have known and worked with him for many years. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all. - Len and Tannis Moody
• Mar 10, 2025
  Condolences to Sheila, Sarah and David. We both are so sorry to hear of Terry's death. He was one of us (the ICU gang and families) and we loved our memories at social events, sporting activities and knowing his work as a fireman was keeping the Mission and surrounding areas safe and inspected. Terry was always smiling, telling stories, and providing a warm hug when you needed it. He will be missed so much. Love to you all. Barbara and Dwight Carroll - Barbara Carroll
• Mar 10, 2025
  Sheila and family, I am thinking of all of you and how difficult this must be ! Terry was a great man , he gave to many ,his family , sport , and the kelowna fire department .he will be missed by so many. He was a rare breed ! He always had a smile on his face when he came into the dental office . It was a pleasure to have known him . Love Laura your dental hygienist - Laura Enoch
• Mar 10, 2025
  My deepest condolences to Sheila and family! I had the pleasure of meeting Terry in several different areas in the Okanagan over the 30 years I've called the Okanagan home. I can say that guys like this only cross your path now and again in ones lifetime! True class! RIP Terry Fred T - Fred Toner
• Mar 10, 2025
  Dear Sheila and family,
  
  It has been many years since Jill and Sarah spent time together but I remember Terry as being a very kind and thoughtful person. I would see him periodically at the Sun games after the girls graduated and he would always stop and say hello. It seemed like he "had time" for everyone! My sincere condolences on your loss of such a wonderful man. - Trudy Hurst
• Mar 10, 2025
  Shiela, Sarah and David, so sorry for your loss and sincere condolences. I was fortunate to have started at KFD with Terry on A Shift. Regardless what was happening, Terry was always positive and had a smile on his face 24/7. It was an honour to have worked and known Terry for the past 33 years. RIP Terry - Larry Hollier
• Mar 10, 2025
  V - Very saddened to hear of Terry's passing. I used to ride motorcycles with him back in the day. A great guy gone to soon. RIP Terry and condolences to the Britton Family! Don urquhart
• Mar 10, 2025
  Sheila and family, words cannot adequately express how sorry we are to hear of Terry’s passing. His loss will reverberate throughout the community. Please accept our condolences. - Ron and Naomi Zukowski
• Mar 10, 2025
  Sheila and family,
  
  I was very saddened to read of Terry’s passing. My thoughts are with all of you. Huge hugs to all.
  
  Sue Hedrich - Sue Hedrich
• Mar 10, 2025
  The world won't be the same. People like Terry are rare diamonds in today's lifestyle. Will miss you my friend. - Ed Mitchell

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