Terry Jean (McKinnon) Kostenuk

Dr. Terry J. McKinnon-Kostenuk gracefully departed this world on March 7, 2024, with her family by her side, at her home in Pelican Point, Alberta. Throughout the toughest days, she carried herself with love and grace for those she cherished most. Her resilient fight and the way she embraced the remaining time will forever be etched in our memories. Terry's strength and courage will serve as an enduring testament to her remarkable spirit. Her greatest joy in life was being the proud Grandma of her precious grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion and unwavering dedication.

Born on January 18, 1954, to Bill and Jean McKinnon in Calgary, Alberta. Terry grew up in Medicine Hat and later moved to Edmonton. She graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 1979, embarking on a fulfilling career that spanned over four decades. Initially practicing in Daysland, she served as a family physician and anesthetist, providing invaluable care to communities in Viking, Hardisty, Sedgewick, and Killiam until 1997. Her passion for rural medicine and the close-knit camaraderie of small-town life defined her early years in practice.  An opportunity arose at Centennial Centre in Ponoka where she worked primarily as a family physician until her retirement in 2020. Terry held the staff and physicians in high regard, grateful for the support of her colleagues even after she could no longer practice.

Terry embraced adventure and cherished time spent with her husband Neil, her grandchildren, family, and friends.  Whether it was spending time on the lake, camping, riding horses out west or exploring the corners of the world she reveled in every moment. An avid equestrian, scuba diver, golfer, and downhill skier, she never shied away from new challenges.  She’d also make sure she got up on a slalom ski and wakeboard at least once a year, just to show us she could do it. Horses held a special place in her heart; her childhood dream of having a horse became a reality when she decided to pursue a career as a country GP. She continued riding lessons until the age of 49 and embarked on annual horseback riding trips until she was 63.

“The Lake," a cherished retreat for Terry and her family, held deep significance in her life. It was there that she spent her childhood summers and met her husband Neil, and together, they built a haven of warmth and hospitality for loved ones. Terry's hospitality knew no bounds, as she delighted in sharing Neil's culinary creations with family, friends, and neighbours alike.

Terry is preceded in death by her beloved son Steven, her parents Bill and Jean, and her brother Greg (Yvonne Goodwin, children Shanon, Mark, Graham, and Brandt). She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Neil; her daughter and son-in-law, Kerri and Dean McNalley; her grandchildren Fletcher and Stevie Jean; her brother Grant and Paulette McKinnon and their children Lindsay and Karmen; her in-laws Lonnie and Sandra Backen and their children Lori and Graham; and numerous cousins and cherished family members.  Terry's impact will endure through the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired.

Please join us to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Terry J. McKinnon-Kostenuk at the Bashaw Community Hall 4704 51 St, Bashaw, Alberta on March 28, 2024. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon. Livestream link located below.

If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial tributes to Pancreatic Cancer Canada at https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/honour-someone-special/.