CHARLES TERRENCE (TERRY) TOBACCO
March 2nd,1936 – March 2nd, 2026
With love and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Charles Terrence (Terry) Tobacco who on his 90th birthday, died peacefully at VGH, surrounded by family. Terry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norine (Irving), children—David, Judy, Tom, and Michael—siblings John Tabacco, Karen Harmison, Laurie Tobacco and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara (Martin) and Charles (Chuna) Tobacco.
Terry was born and raised in the small mining town of Cumberland, B.C., which had a profound impact on his life. There, he learned to be hard working, resilient, and resourceful and he was often overwhelmed by the community support that he received. He cherished his memories of Cumberland, the Comox Valley, family and friends.
During his teenage years, his natural athletic talents became increasingly apparent. He enjoyed and excelled at a multitude of sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, and track and field. Although his first love was basketball, his sprinting ability on the track offered him more opportunities to gain a post-secondary education. At the BC High School Track Championship, he set multiple records and as a single athlete placed second only to Oak Bay School in the Team results. At 17, he began representing Canada and racing internationally. In the 1954 British Empire Games, he earned a bronze medal in the 440 and a silver in the 4×440 relay. That same year, while still a high school student, Terry was honoured as B.C.’s Top Athlete of the Year. During that time, he often hitchhiked down to Victoria to train with coach Bruce Humber and was known throughout the province as the “Cumberland Comet”. Terry was forever grateful for the incredible family and community support his hometown and Vancouver Island offered. He was very honoured in the year 2000 to be named the Cumberland’s’ “Man of the Millennium”.
Terry received a full scholarship to the University of Washington, where he completed both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degree. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and made many lifelong friends throughout his university experience. During his university years Terry had many notable achievements. He was one of the first Canadians to be chosen to the NCAA All American track team, represented Canada in the 1958 British Empire Games, winning two bronze medals. He also ran in 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne and the 1960 Games in Rome and set numerous B.C. and national records. He was later recognized with the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal for his outstanding service to education and athletics, and in 2007, he was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.
After university, Terry relocated to Victoria with his young family to begin his 35-year teaching career. He taught and coached at Oak Bay Junior, Central, Victoria High, S.J. Willis, and Cedar Hill Junior, where he had a positive impact on the lives of countless students and athletes. He also spent many hours refereeing basketball in the community. During the summer months, Terry became an accomplished commercial fisherman, trolling the BC coastline from Victoria to the waters off Haida Gwaii for forty years.
Terry was recognized in his personal life for embodying numerous exemplary qualities. He was deeply devoted to his family, an excellent provider, and always willing to help others. He was competitive, a hard worker, problem solver and always calm under pressure. He generally lived in the moment, was shy, mellow and humble, valued honesty and enjoyed a good joke or prank.
In retirement, Terry remained highly active and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and camping. He and Norine spent winters in Arizona and travelled the world. They both loved adventure and meeting new people.
In the last five years of his life, he faced challenges related to his PSP disease, a rare neurological condition which was especially difficult for someone who had been so physically active throughout his life. He persevered with courage and without complaint.
In lieu of flowers, and to honour Terry’s lifelong love of dogs, please consider a donation to the SPCA or the Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society: Ways to Help | Donate to Northern Hope Dog Rescue
Terry will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
SATURDAY, MAY 30TH 2026, 2:00 P.M.
MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE: BODINE HALL
2243 BEACON AVE, SIDNEY B.C.