ICKINSON, Terence, Canadian Astronomer - November 10, 1943 – February 1, 2023
Cold feet in bed in the wee hours of the morning were my signal that Terry was ending another night of observing and photographing the night sky.
Terry discovered his lifelong passion at a very early age.
And being able to share his interest in astronomy by introducing others to the beauty and wonder that he found overhead filled him up.
He spent countless tranquil hours exploring the night sky from his observatory, listening to the spring peepers early in the season and, in summer, the quiet nickers of our horses as they moved about the pasture.
Standing under a starry canopy and giving himself over to the mystique and immensity of it all, Terry was lifted out of himself, freed from the distractions of daily living. Terry was a calm, gentle, thoughtful man who cared deeply about the people in his life.
He had a lovely sense of humour and a warm infectious laugh. Time spent with Terry was feel-good time. He was a voracious reader and had a steel-trap mind for retaining astronomical information. He loved getting up each morning because every day, he lived and breathed his passion.
So captivated was he by the cosmos that he made it his mission to endeavour, through his writings, his astrophotography and his lectures, to impart some of his awe and appreciation of the universe to others. Although he was physically tethered to this planet, his mind soared among the stars, and the time he spent gazing skyward from a dark country site brought him peace and serenity.
Now he's at one with the universe that enchanted him for a lifetime. I have been "Terry and Susan" for 58 years, and in my heart, I always will be. Honour Terry for how he enriched your life.
There will be no memorial service. His ashes will be scattered under a dark country sky.
If desired, donations in memory of Terry to your local Humane Society or to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.