MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East,
Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Terence (Tery) Poole passed away suddenly in his home in Port Hope Ontario on May 20, 2026. Born on April 27, 1944 in Liverpool England, to parents Victor and Margaret, Tery always had fond memories of playing football and chasing his sister Maureen and his uncle Tony around the neighbourhoods. He traveled across the Atlantic on the Empress of Canada with his mother and sister, arriving in Montreal in 1948 moving to Windsor and eventually Brampton Ontario. Growing up, Tery was passionate about music and picked up the guitar in primary school and later, the trombone in middle school. During his collage years, Tery discovered the incredibly unique instrument, the gut bucket, which he began to play in bands that performed in the folk clubs of Toronto’s Yorkville.
Tery attended Glendon College, at the time a bilingual liberal arts institution within York University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He then went on to work as a market research consultant for Elliott Research Corp. Ltd, where he became the Vice President eventually starting his own company with colleague and friend Sharron Adamson. Poole-Adamson Research Consultants Ltd. went on to publish many reports on the efficacy of advertising through Creative Lab Test research techniques for which they were recognized in numerous national newspapers and industry periodicals.
Tery met his wife Gail on a High Park Ski Club bus trip down to Smugglers’ Notch resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont. They bonded over their love of skiing, the outdoors and their joie de vivre. They wed in August 1984 in a small ceremony in Gail’s home town of Thunder Bay, Ontario. They had two children, Chris and Sarah, on whom they centered their whole life. As a family growing up in Toronto, they spent time enjoying the convenience of the big city, biking, going to parks, driving from one activity to another, ensuring that both children got exposure and were supported in every interest they had. In February 2014 Tery experienced the devastating loss of Gail who passed away following a long battle with cancer.
In 2016, light and vigor returned to Tery, after selling the family home in Toronto and relocating to Port Hope Ontario. He started doing projects around his new home and property, always in the vision of what Gail would have liked and what brought him joy. He became a member of the Cobourg Yacht Club where he met Phyllis, who became a fast friend, travel companion and partner. In 2017 Tery threw himself back into his first love, music. He picked up the trombone once again and joined the New Ventures Band becoming a member of the Metzo, Avanti and Big Band. He often remarked how music brought new joy and purpose into his life. Most recently, in 2025 Tery recorded his first full length album with musicians from Northumberland County. That album, At The Crossroads featured Tery prominently as a gut bucket player and vocalist.
Tery was predeceased by his wife of 30 years Gail Poole (Dilley), parents Victor Poole, Margaret Poole (Blackler); His aunts Josephine McDowell (Blacker), Sheila Blackler and his uncle Tony Blackler. Tery is survived and will be dearly missed by his son Christopher and daughter Sarah and a long list of nieces, nephews and friends that were as close as family that will hold him dear.
Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Sunday June 14, 2026 at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home Ltd. 30 King Street East, Cobourg, Ontario K9A 1K7 from 1pm to 4pm., with words of remembrance at 2:30 pm. There will be a live stream available on the day of the service for those that cannot attend in person through www.maccoubrey.com current services. (Live stream will commence at 2:25 pm.)
We are so sorry to hear of Terrys passing, we will miss him greatly. All our love and prayers Cousin Rosemary and family
I sang with Tery in the Dukes of Harmony chorus and enjoyed his wit and charm and love of music He was very hospitable and had a great love for his family I am glad to have known him and to have shared some great experiences. Condolences to his family John Liphardt
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
World Wildlife Fund - Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
So sorry to hear of Tery’s sudden passing. Sending love across the sea to all the family. From Cousin Helen (Richard’s daughter)
It was a real pleasure knowing and playing with Tery in New Ventures Band. He participated whole heartedly in all aspects of the bands and could always be counted on to volunteer for our many fund raisers and our Open House. A very enthusiastic trombone player who will be sorely missed for his musicianship, his wit, his jokes, and his smile.
I was shocked to hear the news of Tery’s passing. I met Tery through the different bands of the Northumberland New Ventures over the years. We had many interesting conversations in the parking lot while waiting for the doors to be unlocked. I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Tery’s family and his many friends. He will be greatly missed.
The Singapore Jamieson's are very sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Thinking of you and your family, and wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead. Kent, Alison and Chase
Will miss Tery a lot. We played together in the NV BigBand for a few years, side by side on bones, him considerably louder! And of couse his gut bucket bass was terrifc, playing with Hobo Gents, and helping out with the 'tetcollective when needed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Dear Sarah and Chris, I only met your father a couple of times, but I remember well his cheerful and welcoming nature — the kind that leaves an impression, and that I can see in both of you. My deepest condolences for your loss. Losing a parent is never an easy thing to go through, but I hope you find some solace in knowing that his passage through this life was noticed by others, and that the two of you remain the truest witnesses of his life. I'm here for whatever you need. A huge hug.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Humane Society of Canada
I met Tery only once, but Phyllis was, and is, a very dear friend, dating back to our years in Nursing residence at Kingston General Hospital. In Tery, Phyllis found an equal, and above all, a man who loved all aspects of life. The two of them had 8 years together, and the love they shared was one of respect, and true admiration. Nothing could take away from the 30 years he had with Gail, but it is important as we all age to have companionship. My condolences to Christopher and Sarah.....Heather
Dear Chris & Sarah, Sending you both all my love. Your Dad was an incredible person, and I have so many wonderful memories of him. Movie nights on Gresham, boat adventures, endless anti-raccoon engineering, snow forts in the backyard, singing Beatles songs together, and of course his patience with a bunch of crazy kids hanging out and making movies in his house. Love you both so much. ❤️
I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Tery was a true friend as a member of the New Ventures Band. I always enjoyed his company and I was so happy that he could reignite his passion for music in these past few years. He was a great guy. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend his celebration of life as I will be out of town. Please allow me to express my condolences to his family for their loss.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Terry! May he be blessed as he travels home!!
Sorry to hear this. Terry was a great member of the Cobourg Yacht Club and we will miss him. Our sincere condolences. Liz and Dean