Terry Valeriote

1946 – 2023

Terry Valeriote, age 77, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 16, 2023.

To cherish his memory, Terry leaves behind, his son, Lee (Trish), daughter, Lindsay (Cory) and grandson, Landon, as well as his extended family, Shirley (Jack), Lyle and Lyle’s son, Jack, his sisters, Pat (Bill deceased) and Lynn (Eugene), brothers, Paul (Janetta) and Peter and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Terry was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Louise, his brothers, Ralph (Elaine) and Robert and his sister, Gloria.

Terry was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario where he attended Bishop Macdonell High School. Terry was a talented athlete and had a love for all sports, particularly baseball and basketball. His passion began in high school but carried on throughout much of Terry’s life. He played basketball for the University of Guelph Gryphons and the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he received his Master’s degree at the ripe old age of 26. This earned him the nickname “cougar”. Cougar was “quick as a cat and tough as a tiger”!

Terry has a lasting legacy in Canadian amateur sports and in the science of developing young athletes. He was the original coordinator of the Province of Ontario’s Coaching Development Program from 1974-1977. He then moved up to the national level to become the first coordinator of Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) for the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC).

Terry authored three important booklets on the growth and development principles for children 6-11 years of age. Because of Terry’s vision and pioneering spirit, today all national sports have comprehensive athlete development models. His work has, without a doubt, had a profound impact on sports in Canada. Terry was inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in 2015.

Upon his retirement from the CAC he moved to Calgary, Alberta to be closer to his children. He became the Volunteer Coordinator at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Retirement brought him to Medicine Hat where he loved to fill his days golfing. As an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish, he visited the elderly and volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister.

Terry loved having coffee with friends and spending time with his family. Much of Terry’s days were spent being “papa” to both Landon and Jack. Terry was one of Landon’s biggest fans and attended his sports events. Terry loved going for walks along the river, having daily “nerf battles” in the basement with young Jack, and taking care of the family cat, Polly.  Terry was known to some as Terry, while others called him Cougar, some Silver, but his most precious label was “Papa”! Our family is grateful to know that Terry is finally free of pain and home with his family in Heaven where he is at peace.

To honour Terry’s wishes, Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 2nd Avenue NE, Medicine Hat on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Mass will also be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church, 175 Emma Street, Guelph, Ontario on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Marymount Catholic Cemetery in Guelph.

Terry’s family would like to thank the incredible team of health care workers for their care and compassion.  Medicine Hat ICU staff and Dr. Slaba, 5 East, 5 West, Dr. Bolstad, Dr. Martin and all others who cared for him cannot be thanked enough.

Terry’s requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8 or online www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/ways-to-help/donate/

Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Telephone: 403-527-6455

• Date : 2023-11-16
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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