Terence "Terry" Gadsden

In Loving Memory of Terence Hugh Gadsden

December 12, 1943 – May 5, 2026

Terry was the fourth born of five children to Hubert (Dooley) Gadsden and Charlotte (Lottie) (Faulds Wood-McKee) Gadsden.  He grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, when there were farmers' fields, creeks for swimming, horses for riding, Soap Box Derby championships, and a family-owned gas station where he pumped gas on weekend days after night gigs with his band, The Barbarians.

Terry so loved his Toronto family – his mom and dad; his late eldest brother, Ken (1935-2023) (Margo); his sister, Donna Peff (late Joe); and his youngest brother, Mike (Sharlene).  His first-born brother, William, died in infancy. 

Terry moved to Miramichi in 1995.  He was hired as a teacher in the new Animation Program of the New Brunswick Community College.  It was not his plan to stay on the East Coast.  Thankfully, life had other plans for him.  He was in three local bands within the first month.  He had one stop light on his commute (10 minutes) to the college, cross-country skied into work after a storm, loved the people, the land, and the friends he made among his colleagues of the new program.  Miramichi and our customs reminded him of his childhood days in Scarborough, Ontario.  Our nature and rhythms soothed him deeply.

Becoming a dad at 60 transformed his life.  Terry and Paula Foley are the proud parents of their children: Ivory and Nelle Gadsden.  He cherished being their papa, and he and Paula were a great team, having made a commitment to raise strong, loving women.

After a catastrophic stroke at 69, it was the love of his family and his fierce determination that motivated his healing.  The neighbours on Amy Street, family, friends from Toronto, Saint John, and work colleagues of both Paula and Terry carried the family during the long road to healing.

Music was Terry’s air.  He was a composer of music for film and commercials and a musician.  He taught himself to play keyboard when he could no longer play guitar.  He jammed with musician Terry Whalen and recently composed music for films written and directed by his gifted friend, Tara Audibert.

Terry was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.  He went forward from that point as he has always done, living a full creative life led by his voracious curiosity.

He had professional and heart-centered palliative care from his family Doctor, Luc Arsenault, homemakers, EMP, Vondy House, and Percy’s Place Hospices.  He had friendships from neighbours who kept an eye on him, shoveled his steps, and dropped in.  The staff at Sobey’s in Douglastown and the Kingsway Restaurant were kind, as was Karen, his housekeeper of 30 years.

He died ever so gently with his family holding him.  Paula, Ivory, and Nelle are truly grateful for the care that has been given to Terry and to them.

As per Terry’s wishes, there will be a celebration that will take place in the fall.

Donations in Terry’s memory can be made to the New Brunswick Libraries Foundation by calling (1-800-453-3442), by email: nbplf@gnb.ca, or online at the NB Public Libraries Foundation site.

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 2N9, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

“Where Dedicated People Care”

Est. 1956

 © Adams Funeral Home Ltd. Miramichi, New Brunswick. All rights reserved. This obituary, including text and photographs, is an original work protected under Canadian copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, modification (including rewording, or changing any facts presented), distribution, republication, or sharing on other sites or pages is strictly prohibited without written permission from Adams Funeral Home Ltd. and the deceased’s immediate family/next of kin. Photographs are separately protected.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Terence "Terry" Gadsden, please visit our Tree Store.