Shelburne municipal councillor being remembered following his death

Whether at the council table or away from it, Shelburne Municipal Coun. Terry McIntyre was known for being forthright and honest — someone you always knew where you stood with.

“He could be assertive around the council table when fighting for a cause, but there were never any hard feelings when he left the council table,” said Warden Penny Smith, as she reflected on McIntyre’s contributions to the community following his Oct. 9 death.

McIntyre served on council for close to 30 years. During part of that time he also served as deputy warden. He represented District 4 at the time of his death, after having been re-elected to council in the October 2020 municipal election.

“Coun. McIntyre was a strong advocate for the district he represented,” Smith said. “Being a founding member of the Middle and Upper Ohio Volunteer Fire Department, he had a keen interest in fire services and worked hard to ensure that our fire departments were provided with the financial support and resources needed.”

She said he also understood his role of representing the municipality as a whole. As well, for years he lobbied tirelessly on the construction of a new municipal administration building and was pleased to see work begin on this project this fall, she said.

But it wasn’t just about work.

It was also always about people.

“He will be fondly remembered for the cups of Tim’s coffee and treats he would bring into the office for staff and for the many conversations regarding current affairs and life in general,” the warden said. “He truly valued staff and without a doubt, before he left the office had staff laughing and smiling.”

Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, and raised in Dominion, McIntyre – despite living in southwestern Nova Scotia – still remained a ‘Caper’ at heart.

He pursued a career in teaching during his lifetime and so in addition to being a councillor, he was also being remembered for his years in the classroom in comments of condolences left on the Municipality of Shelburne’s Facebook page.

“Of all my teachers, I loved Terry the most. He always found a unique way to reach and guide us. He will be sorely missed,” posted Richard

Snow.

“Condolences to the family. Mr. McIntyre was an awesome teacher, one I will always remember. May you rest In peace,” posted Shirley Anne Goodwin.

Said Betina Enslow, “He taught me in school years ago. What a great man he was and a great teacher. He will be missed by everyone. I really liked him.”

He was both a teacher and principal during his 35-year teaching career, which was all spent in Shelburne where his first teaching assignment had been. Shelburne became home when he entered the classroom, and, his obituary says, “The stars aligned the day he met Nancy, who would become his wife of 46 years.” The couple raised three sons.

In his younger years he played hockey and baseball, he bowled and even tried boxing. He also refereed in hockey leagues around Nova Scotia. His obituary says he enjoyed traveling, whether it was trips back to Cape Breton to visit family, or the chance to visit somewhere new to make new memories.

“He was such a people person that he kept track of birthdays and would call many of his friends and associates on their special occasions,” reads his obituary. “He was also a talented musician who taught and entertained with his guitar throughout his life. He was never happier than with a guitar and a song to start the party and a card table for a round of Tarabish.”

McIntyre’s funeral was held Oct. 14. His obituary said donations in his name could be made to a charity of choice, or people were also being encouraged to do a good deed for someone in his memory.

Shelburne Municipal Council had postponed its Oct. 13 council meeting to Oct. 20 out of respect following the councillor’s death.

“Coun. McIntyre will be missed by his colleagues and the staff of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne,” said Warden Smith. “We send our sincerest condolences to Nancy and the family and hope the many fond memories of Terry will help them through this difficult time.”