Terrance Robert Meloche

Meloche, Terrance Robert
Ret. R.C.N. Command Chief
Passed away , with his heart full of love from those who were dear to him , at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on Thursday, January 27, 2022 in his 74th year.

Terry was the beloved husband and partner to his late wife Ann Keeley-Meloche (2020) for over 21 years; they were the ultimate team. He was a dedicated and loving father to Kimberly Ball, Kevin (Akiko) Meloche, Michelle (Wade) Deering, and the late Brian Meloche (2009). Loving second father to Christopher (Liesje) Blonde, Timothy Blonde, Matthew (Amanda) Blonde, Rebecca Blonde (Darren Wright), and Jeff (Vanessa) Went. He was such a proud and very loved Grandpa of Amanda, Matthew, Julia, Katie, Keenan, Kenato, Ella, Mischa, and his many step grandchildren; a total of 23 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Loving son of the late Vincent (2017) and Teresa Meloche. Dear brother of Suzanne (Al 2000) Brian, Paul (Merilyn) Meloche, Catherine (Emilio) Piazza, and Patricia (2016) (Richard 1998) Anderson. Terry was also an amazing uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Terry was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 42 years. He joined in 1964 as a Naval Electrician and held many positions in numerous ships and shore establishments culminating with his appointment as the Command Chief.

Terry commissioned from the ranks and became the area Cadet Liaison Officer for Southern Ontario where he continued to have a positive impact on hundreds of young people throughout the years. Terry had a memory better than people half his age and could sit and relate Navy stories for hours. Terry's care and compassion for the people he worked with was second to none. Terry's soul always whispered how much he believed in his faith. His many stories and life lessons influenced people tremendously and taught that even the darkest moments are survivable.

Terry and Ann had a positive influence on countless organizations and were active members of their community. They were dedicated volunteers, working with the Navy League of Canada, Winter Lights, Communities in Bloom, Southgate Senior Centre, and the Museum of Naval History. Terry was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55, the Oxford Navy Club, and Trinity Catholic Church.

Terry shared his life-long love of competitive distance running with his family, offering wisdom and support when needed. He stood behind his friends and family regardless of distance and will forever be anchored in their hearts.

Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to the Navy League of Canada, Brantford Branch would be appreciated and may be made through the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, Woodstock.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"

Terry also composed the following Biography

T.R. Meloche, OMM, CD, RCN

Terry Meloche enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy, 20 May 1965, from Windsor, Ontario as an Ordinary Seaman Electrician's Mate.

He served on both the East and West Coasts in Her Majesty's Canadian Ships: CAPE SCOTT, SASKATCHEWAN, NIPIGON, MARGAREE, GATINEAU, PRESERVER, and OTTAWA; with shore postings to Fleet Maintenance Group (Atlantic), Naval Engineering Unit (Atlantic), and Canadian Forces Fleet School (Halifax).

Highlights of his career include: Chief Electrician of GATINEAU, and PRESERVER, Coxswain of HMCS OTTAWA, and while ashore was the Command Electrical Inspection and Trials Co-coordinator.  He also held the appointment of Fleet School Petty Officer, Maritime Forces Atlantic.

30 November 1992, he was appointed as Fleet Chief Petty Officer, Maritime Forces Atlantic.

31 July 1995, he was appointed as the Command Chief Petty Officer, Maritime Command.

He was invested as Member into the Order of Military Merit in 1987, and promoted within the Order to Officer of the Order in 1997.

He is also the recipient of the Special Service Medal (NATO Bar), Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, Canada 125 Medal, Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and Canadian Forces Decoration 3rd Bar.

Throughout his Naval Career he was an avid runner and completed the requirements for level six of the Canadian Forces Aerobic Excellence Program which equates to running 72,000 kilometers.

05 July 1999 he Commissioned from the Ranks at the rank of Lieutenant (N), and was posted to the Central Region Cadet Detachment, London Ontario in the position of Area Cadet Officer.

22May 2007 Lt(N) Meloche retired from the Regular Force Navy.

07 September 2010, he commenced a contract as Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service Officer to carry out the duties of Area Cadet Officer (Sea) at the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central) in London Ontario.

26 May 2012 he retired from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Upon his retirement, Terry has served on the Board of Directors, at the Southgate Seniors Centre, the Administrative Assistant to the Chair of the Woodstock WinterLights Committee, a member of the fundraising committee for the Museum of Naval History. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Woodstock Branch 55, the Naval Association of Canada, London Branch, The Marine Club, Toronto, Charter Member of the Atlantic Chiefs and Petty Officers' Association and Oxford County Naval Veterans Association.  Since 2008 he has been a Member of the Navy League of Canada.  He has held the position of Vice-President Sea Cadets, Navy League of Canada, Ontario Division.