June 19, 1944 - March 10, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
With heavy hearts we announce Terry's passing in Courtenay, B.C. with family at his side. Terry was born in Dublin, Ireland and was a proud Irishman. He was the only son of William and Elizabeth Brady (Byrne).
After the sudden death of his father around the age of 4, Terry was lovingly raised by his Mother and Aunt Josie in a home where literature, art and music were valued. As a young boy he was brought to the theatre and the movies regularly, something he enjoyed his entire life. He was passionate about music, attended countless concerts, and was an avid reader.
Terry was a very good pool player and cleared many a table in the pool halls of Dublin, making money along the way.
He excelled in school, attending Synge Street, and in 1964 he and a couple of friends formed a beat group called The Chessmen with Terry on drums and backup vocals. The group expanded to 7 pieces and went on to become a successful Showband playing packed ballrooms and dance halls throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland and beyond. One of their original songs peaked at #4 on the Irish charts.
He married his first wife Sile (Mooney) at the age of 23, and along with their young son Robert, immigrated to Toronto where he continued to work as a professional musician. His daughter Lesley was born in 1973.
Tiring of life on the road he turned his sights to Broadcast TV, attending Ryerson and working at CityTV. From there the family moved to Vancouver where he helped launch the new upstart CKVU, working as a Camera Operator, Technical Director, Director, and Assistant Operations Manager.
He was known for his calm demeanour and was unflappable in the director's chair working on the Vancouver Show, Sportspage, and News programming. He was very proud of his work on Aids and You, a special about the Aids epidemic which won a prestigious Peabody Award.
He met his second wife Diane (Acorn) while out on a mobile shoot where they were both covering a sporting event. Their connection was instant, and Terry and Diane enjoyed a wonderful marriage and 45 happy years together. Their son Connor was born in 1985.
After 21 years at CKVU, he joined VTV (CTV Vancouver), retiring in 2010 and closing out a career he loved. He and Diane then moved to Comox where he enjoyed golfing and countless family gatherings. He was always up for a singalong.
Terry was a good and kind man, intelligent and quick-witted, an empathetic listener with a great sense of humour. He was also a loving husband and very proud father who passed his love of the arts on to his children.
Terry faced dementia with great courage and resilience. His family would like to thank Dr. Shoesmith and the staff of Glacier View Lodge for their diligent and compassionate care of Terry over many years.
Thanks also to family and friends who supported Terry and Diane in so many ways, including facilitating a last trip home to Ireland.
Terry is survived by his wife Diane, children Robert Brady (Brittany), Lesley Brady (Steve), Connor, and his 4 Grandchildren - Parker, Aidan, Finn, and River.
A family gathering will be held in Comox in June to remember this wonderful man. Raise a glass of Teeling in his memory. He'd love that.
Condolences for Terence may be offered at
https://www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca/obituary/Terence-Brady
