Obituary of Terrance "Terry" Douglas Breen
It is with broken hearts and immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of Terrance “Terry” Breen after a brief, but brave and courageous battle with stomach cancer.
Held in the loving presence of his family, Terry peacefully crossed over into the next part of his journey on the morning of June 23rd. He reunites with those who have gone before him, including his parents John and Mary; siblings Elaine Marie, Patrick, Charles, Geraldine Goakery, John, Rose Mary Landry (Donnie), Malcolm (Helen), Margaret Titus, Walter, Ronnie and several dear friends.
Terry, affectionately known as “Joner”, was raised in the city’s North End and spent much of his time in his younger years on the Kingston Peninsula. He found peace on the Peninsula and this is ultimately where he would live most of his life and where he raised his family.
Terry had a successful career of over 40 years working as a Longshoreman at the Port and was a proud and loyal member of Local 273. He made many lifelong friends here, and traveled to support other port workers across the world. He was always one of the first to be seen on the picket lines and to stand up for workers’ rights.
One of these trips to Liverpool would be where he got to make one of his lifelong dreams come true - getting to see Ireland. Terry was incredibly proud and passionate about his Irish heritage. You would often find him listening to Irish music and he loved to introduce people to songs and artists that he enjoyed. People who knew him well knew to never challenge him if he told you the artist or band singing a song - you would almost always lose.
Terry was a great athlete and played many sports in his life. Among the sports he loved, golf held a special place in his heart. Golf brought Terry deep happiness - not just for the love of the game, but for the challenge it offered and the peace it gave him. Some of his strongest and most lasting friendships were formed on the course. He was rarely happier than with a club in his hand, a course in front of him, and good company beside him. Another of Terry’s true loves was playing pool. His time at the pool hall was made even more special by the friends he shared it with. He loved spending his days with his fellow “pool hall junkies”. Terry was known for his quick wit and good-natured teasing - especially towards those he loved most. He always joked that he let you load the bullet, he was just happy to pull the trigger. He did this up until the day before he passed and never missed a moment to throw a zinger at one of his buddies who came to visit.
Among all of the things Terry loved, his greatest joy was being a father. His two kids were his everything and he cherished every moment he spent with them. He never missed a practice, game or event they were involved in, and was always their biggest cheerleader. His heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his two grandsons. In them, he found new reasons to smile and they lit up his world in a way only grandchildren can.
Left to honour his memory and carry his spirit forward are his daughter Sara Breen (Jason Earle), son Colin Breen (Amanda Myette), grandsons Cian and Aleksandar Flynn-Breen, brothers Gary Breen (Michele) and Mark Breen, sisters Anne Burns and Judy Donovan, friend and mother of his children Julie Flynn-Breen, numerous nieces and nephews including special niece Tammy Breen-Coombs (Brad) and god-daughter Kelly Jay (Andy). His memory will also live on in countless cherished friends who loved him dearly.
Before his passing, Terry shared his immense gratitude for the staff of Bobby’s Hospice, whose warmth and gentleness were true blessings to him and his family during his final days. He also wanted to give special thanks to Dr. Chris O’Brien and Dr. Terry Comeau, as well as his “angel” nurses, Krystie from 3DS and Rachel and Jasmine from oncology. We cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for the care, compassion and empathy you showed him.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm. We will gather to celebrate Terry’s life with a funeral mass at the Holy Redeemer Parish, 316 Somerset Street, Saint John at 11:00am on Monday, June 30th. Reception will follow at Fairville Shooters, 638 Manawagonish Road where we will continue to honour Terry and send him on the next step of his journey. We ask that funeral attendees wear green, to represent Terry’s love for both golf and Ireland. As Terry’s presence touched many, all who knew and loved him are welcome.
One of Terry’s final wishes was that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bobby’s Hospice. A team has been made in his memory for their Memorial Walk on September 20th. The link to donate can be found here:
