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TERENCE COTTRELL
Born: Jul 26, 1955
Date of Passing: Feb 20, 2026
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
TERENCE COTTRELL
After a long but private battle with cancer, Terry Cottrell passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Terry was born in Fort William, Ontario, on July 26, 1955, and apart from living a few school years in our parents' hometown of Fort William, ON, he spent most of his life in Winnipeg.
Predeceased by younger brother Douglas Wayne Cottrell, March 29, 2024, and mother Olga (Ollie) Cottrell, January 7, 2022. Surviving family are father William (Bill) Cottrell, older sister Lynda, and Ben Kitzan, younger brothers, Les and Lori Cottrell, Warren and Teresa Cottrell, ten nieces and nephews, and 14 great-nieces and nephews.
Terry was a devoted son and brother with a strong sense of duty, a great sarcastic wit, and sense of humour. He took care of our parents until they could no longer stay at home and also managed and maintained the family home. Terry never wed or had children, although he had a special way with them. His nieces and nephews spent many fun times with him. Terry was loyal to a small group of close friends. In his youth, he played football and competitive team handball and throughout his life, he enjoyed the outdoors and was an active hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed long walks.
Terry had a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Manitoba and trained as a Power Engineer at Red River Community College. But he really found his calling with the Winnipeg Fire department where he started as a firefighter on February 3, 1987, and his co-workers gave him the nickname of ‘The Ripper’. Terry was promoted to Lieutenant on May 9, 2010, and Captain on January 27, 2013. He retired after 30 years of distinguished service on February 7, 2016.
At his request, there will not be a funeral service, and his remains will be cremated and scattered in the fishing and hunting area where he found great joy and peace in nature with his companions.
The family would like to thank the medical service people who supported Terry throughout his battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2026
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I just noticed today, April 21, when driving down Westwood Drive that I thought I saw his house for sale. I knew he had an issue as we had talked about it over a year, maybe even two years ago. So, sadly it was my first thought to type his name in and it came up. We worked together in the WFD at 4 station back in the mid 80s and at various other halls when we bumped into each other over the years. I ran into him a year or two ago and we went for coffee and even though he sort of brushed it off, he told me he was considering going south because he had an issue, to get it looked at in a more timely fashion, but don't know if he ever did. We'd meet for breakfast after our last night shift ended, even after we weren't working in the same hall anymore. I would typically see him walking in the Crestview Westwood area, as he always did. He'll be missed by me for sure, no matter if it was only once every few years we still saw each other. Ex Firefighter. - Posted by: Tim Deacon (Work with Terry) on: May 21, 2026
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I served Terry at Smitty’s and his group of friends for many years. I am very sorry to hear he passed. He was a lovely man and it was always a pleasure to serve him Wednesday nights. - Posted by: Justine (Server) on: Apr 16, 2026
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My deepest condolences to Lynda and the Cottrell family. Terry was a considerate and kind man with a keen sense of humor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a good friend during the past two and a half years. - Posted by: Wanda Waddell (friend) on: Mar 08, 2026 - Posted by: Wanda Waddell (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2026
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Sending my condolences to the Cottrell family . Shelley Jamieson ♥️ - Posted by: Shelley Jamieson (Friend) on: Mar 03, 2026
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We meet the morning of Feb 3, 1986. Terry showed up with a huge bandage on his finger, he had been scalded at work a few days earlier. It didn't stop him from performing any of the training tasks. The first Friday everyone went across the street for a couple of beers, including our training officers. It was a great class! - Posted by: Michael Ruta (#1276 of The WFD) on: Mar 01, 2026
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Deepest Condolences. Rest in Peace Brother 🙏 - Posted by: Shelley Brown (Former co worker) on: Feb 28, 2026
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Terry was definitely one of the good ones! Rest in peace brother! - Posted by: Robert roy (Co- worker) on: Feb 28, 2026
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I worked at 11 Stn with "Ripper" for 5 years he was a joy to work with, Quiet but passionate about his work. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. My favorite verse in the Bible is " to absent from the body is to be with the Lord" Rippers in good hands now. God Bless. - Posted by: ken barnett (Brother Firefighter) on: Feb 28, 2026
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My condolences to Lynda and the family on the loss of your brother Terry. I remember the Cottrell family very well and attending Isaac Brock School and club house with the tap dancing classes with Sam Mc Connell. I have some photos with our dance group with you and Terry. I remember your Mom did a lot of sewing of our dance costumes and would film our dance recital on the movie camera. I have fond memories of the good old days. May your memories of Terry bring you peace and comfort and know that my thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Carol Ranson (Friend of the family) on: Feb 28, 2026
