Obituary of Stephen Kenneth Terry

Stephen Kenneth Terry, BASc (Hons) Systems Design Engineering

Stephen Kenneth Terry, beloved husband of the late Wendy Marie Osten, passed peacefully on Tuesday October 2, 2018, in Herndon Virginia at the age of 61 after a short and courageous battle with metastatic brain cancer.

Stephen is survived by his mother Jean Kane of Oakville, Ontario, his brother Brian (Susan) Terry, sister Lori Terry, and brother Wayne (Cindy) Terry. He leaves behind much loved Terry family nieces and nephews Brandon (Rachelle), Kylana, Carson, Abbey and Zack. Stephen is survived by step-siblings Brian (Nancy) Kane, Bruce (Mariline) Kane, Diane Kane Graydon; step-nieces and nephew Christine, Candice (Ivan), Ashley and Mitch (Heather); in-laws Dr. Stephen and Mary Osten, sister-in-law Kristina (Adam) Cook and nieces Emma and Rose. He will be lovingly remembered by his Everett family cousins Sue (Rick) Martin, Bob (Candy) Everett, and Cathy (Keenan) Orme and their families, as well as cousin Helen Goggin. Stephen will be missed by his extended family in Canada and the U.S. and his many friends in the Virginia area. Stephen is predeceased by his father Arlie Ross Terry and step-father Michael Armour Kane.

Stephen was born on September 9, 1957, and raised in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. He attended the University of Waterloo where he graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Systems Design Engineering degree. Following university Stephen moved to Kanata, Ontario to begin his engineering career with Mitel Corp. In 1988 his work in satellite-based communication systems took him to the United States where he settled in the Washington, D.C. area. Stephen’s career spanned 30 years in the United States, most recently with California-based firm Satpath Systems Inc. In 2011 Stephen married the love of his life Wendy Osten. Together they embraced each day through their love of God, their appreciation for the outdoors, the joy of their cats Goodie and Gracie, and their delight in music and dance. 

Stephen had an unwavering love for his family and friends. He was gentle, thoughtful and kind-hearted with an ever-present sense of humour. He was active in sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, squash, and downhill skiing. In his younger years Stephen was a member of the Canadian National Ski Patrol. He enjoyed rollerblading and was often spotted on the W&OD Trail.  In the late 1990’s Stephen took up dancing and quickly developed a passion for Lindy Hop Swing Dance. He joined the Eight Week Wonders dance team and performed in Virginia State Open dance competitions.Over the years he became well known at Glen Echo Park for his flair and patience as a dance lead, dancing for the pure enjoyment of dance. Strong in faith, Stephen lovingly encouraged others to know and follow Jesus. He actively worshipped at Reston Bible Church and gathered with various fellowship groups. Generous at heart, Stephen readily volunteered within his community and provided gifts of hope to children through Christian child sponsorship programs. 

Stephen was truly an inspiration to all he crossed paths with. His love and friendships ran deep. He was a beautiful man and his soul of gold touched the world he walked, rolled, and danced through. Strength, courage and determination define his spirit.  Truly an “Ambassador of Christ” and forever an angel in our hearts, Stephen will be greatly missed. 

Thank you to the many family and friends in Canada and the U.S. who have supported Stephen and his family through an outpouring of love and prayer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday October 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Reston Bible Church, 45650 Oakbrook Court, Sterling, VA 20166, 703-404-5010. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Society, Reston Bible Church (www.restonbible.org), or Grace Ministries, 7536 Diplomat Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 (www.undergrace.org).

For family and friends in Canada, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, 89 Dunn Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 3C8, 905-844-3472.Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Knox Presbyterian Church Oakville (knoxoakville.com).