Obituary of Terrence Fournier HAWITT

May 3, 1929 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

February 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Have you ever strolled through Rouleauville Square or sat on a park bench overlooking the mountains? Have you ever taken a bike ride along Calgary’s pathway system on a beautiful sunny Alberta day? If you’ve ever enjoyed the Calgary Zoo or a performance at Theatre Calgary, then you will appreciate this story…

After a remarkable life, Terry Hawitt died peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday, February 27, 2021. He is a man who truly personified the spirit of Calgary.

Terry said, “I love life, and I love living it” and that is exactly how he will be remembered by his family and all who knew him well. He is survived by his wife, Anne Kelly Hawitt; his sons, Michael Hawitt (Sarah) and their children Lauren and Max; John Hawitt (Wendy) and his daughter Georgina; Brian Hawitt (Jamie) and their daughter Dana; and his daughters, Karen Hawitt (Trevor) and their daughter Zoë; and Sarah Cormack (Neal) and their children Owain, Leona and Liam. His greatest happiness and pride were his family.

Terry was born an only child in Saskatoon, SK on May 3, 1929. He spent his formative years in Montreal and later attended Concordia, formally Sir George Williams University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. Terry started his career with the Sunlife Assurance Company and moved to Calgary in 1952, ultimately becoming group manager in Western Canada. Terry fell in love with Anne, a lifetime Calgarian, and this past August celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  In 1970, Terry returned to university to study geology and ventured into the oil and gas industry founding numerous companies which he ran for the next 30 years.

Terry’s outlook on life and his eternal optimism shaped everything that he did. He was an ardent volunteer, founding director of Theatre Calgary (1969), Chairman of the Calgary Zoo and Zoological society (1969-85), and instrumental in the long-term plans and building of the Prehistoric Park. Terry’s love of nature, community and the outdoors were the backbone to the beginnings of the Parks Foundation Calgary. Every single neighbourhood in Calgary has been impacted by the work of Parks Foundation Calgary, made possible from the founding and ongoing efforts of Terry. A creative and passionate person who had unending ideas for how to improve Calgary, Terry said “if you have a great idea, people will always support it”.  Over the years, the seeds he planted and cultivated grew into a legacy of tremendous parks and pathways.

Terry was an avid outdoorsman and accomplished athlete, spending any free time golfing, or in the mountains hiking and skiing—his love for this province was palpable. In his later years he was a walking and biking enthusiast, riding the city trails or walking along the ridge in Britannia and River Park. Terry also enjoyed painting, and at the age of 89 decided to rekindle this hobby by taking weekly lessons with fellow artists.

Terry loved people and his friendships were a testament to his loyal, kind, inquisitive and adventuresome spirit. He was always up for a lively debate, and his mischievous grin and wholehearted laugh exemplified his good humour and positive nature. He was filled with excitement and curiosity about other people’s stories; he had a unique ability to make everyone feel special.  Terry’s enthusiasm was infectious. His passion, determination and gracious manner will long be remembered by those he encountered. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and by all whose lives he touched. 

He was interesting, but more importantly he was always interested...

We are happy to announce that the Calgary Parks Foundation is creating a legacy park project dedicated to Terry. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Terry’s memory can be made to Parks Foundation Calgary,  www.parksfdn.com

Terry’s family would like to thank the staff at Chinook Care Centre Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Terry’s Life will take place once the snow melts and COVID numbers allow a true event for Terry. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Terry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.