Celebrating Terry Waters

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of our dear Terry, who died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on September 7, 2025. Just the previous day, he had completed an epic cycling trip with close friends in the mountains of Italy, savoring the challenge of long rides and steep climbs. Terry was just two weeks shy of his seventy-fourth birthday, and as fit, vigorous, and full of life as ever.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Banks, and their Baja rescue dogs, Wynton and Ella; his sister Penny (John); and his many nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.

Terry grew up in North Vancouver, graduating from Argyle High School in 1969. He went on to receive his MD from UBC in 1976, followed by specialty training in Anesthesia, joining the Anesthesia Department at Vancouver General Hospital in 1984. A highly skilled and deeply experienced physician, Terry was the department's longest-serving member, with a career spanning over 40 years. He was a member of the Division of Cardiac Anesthesia for 30 years while also playing a lead role in Liver Transplant Anesthesia for 27 years. He made significant contributions to transfusion medicine and peri-operative blood management, those contributions resulting in improved care for literally thousands of patients.

Terry was equally respected as a mentor and teacher, sharing his expertise with countless medical undergraduates, residents, and clinical fellows. His passion for medicine, compassion for patients, and friendships with his colleagues kept him vital—he continued working part time and teaching until the end. His many contributions to clinical care, teaching and administration were recognized by UBC and he was promoted to Clinical Professor in 2017.

It is an understatement to say that Terry loved life. His joie de vivre endeared him to everyone he met. With his quick smile, lively storytelling, and famously bad jokes, he brought joy to every gathering. He cherished good food and wine, especially when shared with friends, and left nearly everyone who knew him feeling like they had gained a best friend.

Beyond medicine, Terry was a man of many talents. A gifted trumpet player, over the years he performed with many bands. He was still a member the North Shore Concert and Jazz Band with whom he had played for many years. An athlete throughout his life, he embraced windsurfing, skiing, swimming, and triathlon—completing three Ironman races in Penticton—before devoting himself to cycling. In recent decades, he rode extensively in Canada and Europe, tackling seven day stage races and legendary climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees, often earning admiration as one of the oldest riders.

Cathy was the anchor of his life and his perfect partner in adventure. Together, they created beautiful homes in all their favorite places including their vineyard in Summerland, BC. Terry was especially proud of their "Waters and Banks" vineyard and the award-winning wines it produced—though his friends loved to joke that "Banks" often had trouble controlling the "Waters".

Moving forward, Terry would want us to remember and celebrate the many joyful moments he shared with Cathy, family, and friends. His spirit lives on as we ride our bikes, travel, laugh, and share food and wine together. So, raise a glass, share a chuckle, and celebrate a life well lived.

"It's not the years in your life, but the life in your years."

Rest in peace, Terry. You will be deeply missed.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and photos on Terry's memorial page vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca (or send to [email protected]) so we can celebrate and remember together. Selected contributions may be included in a tribute presentation at the Celbrating of Life.

Info: Please join us for refreshments and a time to share memories.

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