Thomas Woodward Armstrong II (Terry) passed away peacefully at Teck Pioneer Residence, on January 31st, 2024, at the age of 77. Terry was born on May 4, 1946 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Sheila, his father, Dr. Thomas Woodward Armstrong I, his mother, Verdun Armstrong and his beloved four legged friend, Mickey. He leaves to mourn; his children; Tom (Angie) and Cori (Ron), his brothers; Bill (Rhonda) and David (Pat). He is greatly missed by his grandchildren; Braden, Ethan, Camrin, Thomas, Hudson, Peyton, Ryan and Aria.
Terry will be lovingly remembered as an educator with the Kirkland Lake Board of Education then District School Board Ontario North East. He spent 40 years enriching the lives of thousands of students at Swastika, Queen Elizabeth, King George, Larder Lake and Federal Public Schools. He was President of the Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation, long time member of the Doric Lodge, Kirkland Lake Curling Club, and Literacy Council of North Temiskaming. In winters, he instructed and coached young curlers, cross country and down hill skied, snowshoed, and tried to keep as active as he could.
He spent his summers at the family cottage on Sesekinika Lake. Many memories were shared there with friends and family on boats, trails and in the water. He was also asked on many occasions to renovate, replace or fix properties on the lake. He absolutely loved being out there.
He was an accomplished gymnast in his youth, a Canadian Junior Men’s Curling Champion, Northern Ontario Mixed Curling finalist, a slo-pitch player, and Ladies Old-Tymer Coach over the years.
We will all miss that twinkle in his eye, the smile that could light up a room, his comforting personality, his unique sense of humour and his Dad jokes. The memories we have shared will bring us comfort. We would also like to thank all of the caregivers and residents at TPR for providing superior care, compassion and dignity to Terry. It will not be forgotten.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held this summer at the cottage on Sesekinika Lake for both Terry and Sheila. Donations in Terry’s memory can be made to the Kirkland Lake Curling Club.
Rory and I have been friends of your parents for years, knowing them through curling. Rory played against Terry in School Boys back in the 60's. We always enjoyed their company and have wonderful memories. We are so very sorry for your loss and extend our sincere sympathy to you and to your families. God bless you.
Sad news to hear of Terry's passing. He taught me at King George school and was definitely one of my favourite teachers. He was so kind and patient with his students. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Mr. Armstrong.
My condolences…Terry will be remembered as a contributor..his family and the community are poorer with his passing
So sorry to hear of Toms passing ,sending our sincere and heartfelt condolences during these difficult times dealing with the passing of your parents in such a short time……cherishing the beautiful memories of your parents hopefully will ease your pain…Polar Ave will never be the same…going to miss our chats…RIP Terry
Joe and Tanja
I’m sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Armstrong. I remember he was a beloved teacher at Queen Elisabeth. Every young girl had the hugest crush on him, including me. He was very kind with the greatest smile, I always had fond memories of him and I will miss him. One thing is for sure I know he left you’s all with great memories to keep close to your heart.
To Tom and Cori and both of your families I send my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to all of you. Once again my heart aches for you. I always enjoyed the times spent at the cottage with them and being taken for several boat rides. And very much appreciated his help and support when Sheila was there for me while going through my cancer.
Shirley Downey
I had the opportunity to interact with Terry when he was Chair of the Literacy Council of North Timiskaming. In his mild manner he always made one feel welcome. His thoughtful contributions put the students’ achievement goals the Literacy Council’s priority.
Terry will be missed.
Oh my goodness. I was truly moved when I saw Terry's obituary. We knew Terry during his high school time and our paths crossed often .
My sincere condolences on your loss. Having experienced in 2023 loss of my son and wife, I do know some of your sad feelings at this time. May the memory of Terry be with you every day.
I have been asked by the Mihelcic (Melina) and her family who are your neighbours out at Sesekinika Lake to passed on their sincere sympathies to all of you. Shirley Downey
We are so sorry to hear of Terry's passing, such a beautiful man . Our deepest condolences.
Gerry, Michelle Blunt & family .
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this very sad and difficult time, the memories of the Curling Days, & our Friendship we shared as friends will be cherished always. So sorry for your loss. Remember his Life NOT his Death. HUGS .
Paul and I were so saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. He was a favourite teacher of mine at King George and an amazing teacher at that. Our trip to St. Catherine’s and Niagara Region when we were at King George was such a fun time because of your Dad. Many yearly parties at Jean and Terry’s were also enjoyed with your Mom and Dad there. He had a glint in his eye for sure and a beautiful smile. Hold tight to your memories. Sending hugs and prayers. He was a sweetheart ️
I'm sure it is with heavy hearts that you must say adieu to a very kind and special father, brother and grandfather. He was a devoted colleague who cared deeply for his students and Doug and I loved working with him at King George. His smile, beautiful temperament and great sense of humour was treasured by all who were blessed to know him. Cherish the wonderful memories of both your parents and find solace in knowing that they are now resting together in peace. Their legacy lives on through their beautiful family...they were so proud of you all!
Deepest condolences to you all, our thoughts are with you at this time . Christina will sadly miss her table mate .
Christina Pitts, George and Sherry L’Heureux
I’m so sorry to learn of Mr. Armstrong’s passing. He was a wonderful teacher and definitely one of my favourites. I remember very well his kind disposition and his smile. Rest in peace, sir.
I am truly sorry to hear of Your Dads passing . I am certain he will be sadly missed. He was a super Dad
For sure.. Again please accept my condolences..
So very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a lovable person, very kind & fun to be around . He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Sesekinika will never be the same. My condolences to you and your families.
So sorry for the loss of your brother, brothers are a special breed, I know you will miss Terry…. Your long time friend
My heart hurts Mr. Armstrong. You were a great teacher. You were a great friend and you always made me laugh. Condolences to all the family rest in peace. Love you always.
Oh I was so very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. We worked together at King George School and on several bargaining committees. He was so much fun to work with and was an excellent teacher especially in math! He always had a smile on his face, was never at a loss for the just the right words and of course, that twinkle in his eye. Colleagues and students all loved working with him. He was just an all around great guy! Rest in peace Terry.
Irene McRae (Boucher)
Your dad was such a wonderdul teacher! When a student was struggling with a lesson (yes, me) he was so kind and gentle in his teaching until "I got it" and then he gave me a smile bigger than mine, and a pin for my shirt that said "math genius"! I knew he understood that that accomplishment to me, meant he also shared in it. I have thought of him so often through my life because of that specialness he had, and shared with his students. He was one of my favorite memories at King George! Rest in Peace Mr Armstrong You can rest now, knowing you touched so many lives.
I just came across your dad's obituary and I was shocked to see it then in his obit it said predeceased by his wife so I looked further on and there I saw your mom's. I'm so sorry to hear about them both. Braxton loved both your parents and was sad to hear about the news. You will all be in our thoughts!!!
My Heart felt condolences for your loss. Terry was a Past Master of Doric Lodge #623 GRC and he will be sadly missed by all of the Brethren of the Lodge.
Terry gave me many happy memories in the 1970's at his cottage. He was a mentor and a friend, and will be remembered with fondness by so many. Peace be with you
My brother, Gordon, and I offer our condolences to the Armstrong family.
We remember Terry from our childhood days at "camp" on Lake Sesekinika. We were the free-spirited children drawn from the Armstrongs, Burgmans, Lambes, Mirons, and Wiggins, and linked by the friendships among our parents. We remember fondly the overnight canoe trips, regatta competitions, seafleas, waterski-ing and saucering, the Lambe's water slide, torchlight parades, and the fearless (toad-eating) Suzie perched precariously but defiantly on the bow of a 14 ft cedar strip going full out.
Terry was the unquestioned leader in these activities. His calm manner and his respect for the views of others is what stands out in our mind. His athleticism was admired by all. Our parents held him up as a role model for us.
Terry, may you rest in peace. You were an outsized influence in our young lives, and we have been all the better for having known you.
I have many good memories of Terry at King George; as a supply teacher, he helped me so often...with students I had challenges with, or math lessons that I needed a quick refresher course in.
Sad that he is gone, but reading the many lovely tributes to him, he has definitely left many with special memories.
I’m so sorry for the loss you are going through, and I want to offer my sincere condolences . I hope you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with all of you in this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the many remembered family times together. God bless. Gord and Elaine Hamden
It is very sad to hear the news concerning Terry! It was always a pleasure to speak with him as a former student , fellow educator, and a major contributor to the community in many ways. His positive , patient and enthusiastic nature will leave many wonderful memories to those who knew him.
Your family has had a difficult time lately! Our deepest condolences to all-Brian and Gale
I was saddended to read of Terry's passing. He was such an amazing addition to KL's education system for many years. I taught with Terry at Queen Elizabeth many moons ago. He was a kind and dedicated teacher and a great role model to all. He taught my girls-they loved him and thought he was the best!Terry and I sat at the bargaining table together.He showed great skills there also.I visited KL a few years ago and ran into him-same wonderful smile and great hugs. He will be missed by many.
So very sad to hear of Terry’s passing. I first met Mr. Armstrong during the 1970-1971 school year when he was practice-teaching in Mrs. Royal’s grade 7 class at Queen Elizabeth. Terry did an outstanding job. The next year he was hired full-time at QE so I had him again as a teacher in my grade 8 year. Terry coached the QE Peewee hockey team with Bob May in that first year of teaching. We won the public school championship and then went on to win the town championship. Terry was a wonderful role model for all students from the get-go. There is no doubt in my mind that he helped a few thousand students to become confident and kind members of society. Teachers like Terry led me into the teaching profession so I am forever grateful to have crossed paths with him. He will be missed by all he touched. I sincerely hope that memories of Terry bring a smile and an inner warmth to his surviving family members.
As a former colleague and friend, Terry was always a welcome staff member. His demeanour,
humour and steadfastness were his strengths.
Many students had the benefit of having Terry as a teacher and mentor.
Once again we have lost a great person whose contribution to education and the community will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tommy, Cori and grandchildren.
Harmonie and Brian Barkell
So very sorry to see your sad news. Terry and I worked together for many years. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy
Very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts are with you.
Terry was a wonderful teacher, a wonderful guy and a great friend. So sorry to see him go. Heartfelt condolences to all who loved and knew him.
Warm memories of Terry from teaching with him at King George School.
Sending sympathy to all the family.
