Image From Facebook/Medicine Hat Public School Division

By Chris Brown

‘Lasting legacy’: longtime Medicine Hat educator and leader has passed away

Feb 3, 2023 | 1:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat Public School Division is mourning the loss of a longtime educator and leader in our community.

Terry Riley taught with the public school division for more than 20 years followed by 14 years as a board trustee from 2004 to 2017. He served as board chair for six of those years.

In a post on Facebook, the division says Terry’s leadership over many years has left a lasting legacy on public education in Medicine Hat.

“Throughout his leadership, Terry championed efforts to secure two new schools, modernizations, and several other important Division initiatives. He was an avid and effective advocate for our division, for public education, and our students,” reads the post, in part. “He was steadfast and loyal to whatever cause he invested in. He had a presence that was remarkable and will not be forgotten; his service was an example of what happens when good people come together to do great things for students.”

You can read the full text of the post below.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

10h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

11h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

19h ago

We are saddened to learn that Terry Riley has passed away. For decades, Terry served the students of our community both as an educator and as a leader. Terry was committed to public education at all levels. After teaching with MHPSD for over 20 years, he continued his commitment by serving as a trustee. Terry served in the role for 14 years, (four terms from 2004 – 2017), of those he was elected to the Chair position for 6 consecutive years. Terry was a strong Board Chair and someone on whom you could depend. He was always confident in his positions, and he could stand by them, as they were always made in the best interest of student learning.

Terry’s leadership over many years has left a lasting legacy in our division. His commitment to public education was reflected in his dedication to his work and his unwavering advocacy on behalf of students, staff, and our broader community. Throughout his leadership, Terry championed efforts to secure two new schools, modernizations, and several other important Division initiatives. He was an avid and effective advocate for our division, for public education, and our students. He was steadfast and loyal to whatever cause he invested in. He had a presence that was remarkable and will not be forgotten; his service was an example of what happens when good people come together to do great things for students.

Terry brought great passion to every conversation. He believed, and expressed his beliefs, with intensity. Terry knew he was “a lot”, a man with a big personality. This brings to our minds a quote from a man who Terry greatly admired, often imitated, and was known to quote in grad speeches and at Board Meetings. Those who know him well will hear Terry’s voice and see the gleam in his eyes as he acts his way through this line.

“I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” – Winston Churchill

We are grateful to have met you, Terry. Farewell to you, our colleague and friend. We send our love to his grieving family & friends.