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Terrance (Papa) Richard Stratton Obituary pic

Terrance (Papa) Richard Stratton

Born: Mar 16, 1938

Date of Passing: Feb 13, 2026

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Terrance (Papa) Richard Stratton


It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Terrance Richard Stratton. He was born on March 16, 1938, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of George Stratton and Mary Ena Sephton, both residents of Winnipeg.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife and partner of Marie Stratton (nee Wyatt) whose love and companionship were the foundation of his life for over sixty-five years. Together they had three children: son, Mark (Beverley Ross, with grandchildren Fergus and Claire); daughter, Shannon (Neil Kosman, with grandchildren Nikolas and Samantha); and son, Geoffrey (Monique Viallet Stratton, with grandchildren Tyler and Makenna).

Terry met his beloved wife, Marie, while working a summer job in Saskatchewan. They married and together built a life with their three children. Terry remained deeply in love with Marie throughout their lives together.

Terry pursued studies at the University of Manitoba for two years within the Faculty of Architecture. From there his professional journey began, working with George Stewart, a friend and mentor, from 1961 to 1969. From 1969 to 1975, he served as an instructor at Red River Community College. He was invited in 1975 to become managing partner at the IKOY Architecture Partnership, a role he held until 1993. During Terry’s tenure at IKOY, he and Marie became active with the Progressive Conservative Party and supported both provincial and federal parties for many years. His commitment and hard work for the Progressive Conversative Party resulted in his appointment to the Senate on March 25, 1993, by the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, where Terry served as Opposition Whip from 2001 to 2004, Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 2004 to 2006, and then Government Whip from 2006 to 2009, before retiring in March 2013.

Throughout his career, in addition to his years of public service, Terry made significant contributions to his community through initiatives such as the Pan American Games, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Terry and Marie loved traveling and ventured to over 54 countries. His children have particularly fond memories of their family skiing and camping trips. Today most of his grandchildren still share his love for skiing.

His passing has left a void with his family and friends, and he will be missed.

Memorial Service 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The family requests that friends visit Terrance Stratton's tribute wall at www.bardal.ca where condolences, photos and stories may be placed for all to see.





Bardal Funeral Home

843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474

Parking behind funeral home

Tribute Wall: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2026

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • We are both very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was a true gentleman, wise and thoughtful. We spent many years together, fighting floods and liberals. Our sympathy and thoughts go out to Marie, his great children and grandchildren. The world is a better place because of his presence. Bob and Deirdre. - Posted by: Bob and Deirdre Kozminski (Long tome friends) on: Feb 20, 2026

  • My deepest condolences to Marie, Mark, Shannon, Jeff and extended family. Working for Terry during his IKOY years provided such a growth opportunity and his belief in my abilities so appreciated. He remains amongst my most memorable employers. In a lot of ways for a-while IKOY was like a family and meeting all of his family during that time was heartwarming. I welcomed periodically though too infrequently keeping in touch. His drive to keep learning was self-evident and admirable through the varied paths he followed in his life. May this next leg of his journey be equally fulfilling. - Posted by: Michelle Pichette (Former employee / colleague) on: Feb 20, 2026

  • Saddened to hear of Terry’s passing, our condolences to the families, terry was very helpful in getting my Ukrainian Internment through the senate. With out terry’s help my bill would have died on the order paper. On behalf of the Ukrainian community in Canada thank you Terry for all your help - Posted by: Inky Mark (Former MP) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • Terry’s passing is the loss of a true, loyal Canadian Conservative and servant of our nation. Terry epitomized volunteerism, dedication and hard work. His appointment to the Senate of Canada was one of Prime Minister Mulroney's finest appointments. As a former Manitoban, he made me proud. I deeply valued our dedicated loyal friendship. Margaret and I offer the Stratton family our deepest sympathy. When I reflect on my friendship with Terry, the words of the famous Irish author and poet, William Butler Yeates, seem most appropriate: "Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends" - Posted by: Hon Gerry St. Germain P.C, O.B.C. (Friend & Colleague) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • Our condolences to the family. We met Terry over 40 years ago. He was a man of great integrity and was fun to be with. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Brian and Dolores White (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Senator Stratton. In the time we served together in Parliament he was a good colleague, a kind friend and a wise mentor. He offered advice carefully and thoughtfully, never thoughtlessly intrusive and always insightful. I am thankful for his service to our country. Justice Victor (Vic) Toews - Posted by: Vic Toews (Former parliamentary colleague) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • I was profoundly saddened to learn that Terry had passed away. His support of the Conservative Party, both provincially and federally was legendary. During his 20 years as a member of the Senate of Canada, he was recognized as an exemplary public servant, in the service of Manitoba and Canada holding many key leadership positions in the Chamber and on important Committees. My deepest condolences to Marie and the Stratton family. He was a valued friend and colleague. Hon. Marjory LeBreton - Posted by: Marjory LeBreton (Colleague in the Senate of Canada) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • My sincere sympathies to Terry’s family on his passing. I met Terry when I first became an MP as he was a Senator in our CPC caucus. Terry was also part of our Manitoba caucus and was always wise, measured and with a dry witty sense of humour, brought tremendous value and contribution to our meetings and work. I am grateful to have known Terry. May he rest in peace. Candice Bergen - Posted by: Candice Bergen (Parliamentary colleague) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • I had the distinct privilege of working with and getting to know Terry in parliament when we both held the position of Whip, he in the Senate and myself in the House of Commons. Both when our party was Official Opposition and later in Government. It seemed we thought eye-to-eye on most issues and he was always a pleasure to work with. His kindness, knowledge and shared experience was most welcome. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to his family and close friends. - Posted by: Jay Hill (Colleague) on: Feb 19, 2026

  • Our condolences to your family from your previous neighbours. - Posted by: Paul & Liz Landry (neighbors') on: Feb 18, 2026

  • It was truly a privilege to have known Terry. He was a scholar, a gentleman, and a mentor. His kindness and patience were appreciated; and while I may not have always liked the advice, it was wise. My sincerest condolences to Marie and family. - Posted by: Mia Alicia Kinal (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2026

  • Here’s to the good times Sharing Tucson's warm winter nights, amazing desert sunsets accompanied by food fests on the patio, shared with friends and famil, watching Oldie Goldie’s “Some Like it Hot and Casablanca” until the wee hours of the morning, Margarita Madness, Saxophones,Hiking the Rincon Mountains and the Hole in one on the 18th at Crooked Tree . You will be missed my friend and not forgotten . Allan - Posted by: Allan Akins (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2026

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