In Loving Memory of John Terrance (Terry) Schonfeldt
January 22, 1941 – June 9, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of John Terrance (Terry) Schonfeldt, who left us peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the morning of June 9, 2025, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario—the community Terry cherished and called home for most of his life at 84 years old.
Terry was born on January 22, 1941, in Malartic, Quebec, to Georgina (Goldsmith) and Jonathan Schonfeldt. He was predeceased by his beloved mother and father, as well as his brother Ron (Thelma). He is survived by his brother Richard Schonfeldt (Marilyn).
He shared a life of unwavering love and devotion with his wife and soulmate, Claire Schonfeldt (McCool). Together, they built a life filled with family, laughter, and quiet strength. Terry was a proud and loving father to David Schonfeldt (Vicki), Kelleen Schonfeldt (Marty), and Andrew Schonfeldt. He was Poppa to Gabe McGrath (Amber), Jessica Huot (Kyle), Seana Rossanese (Andrew), Terryn Preyde (Schuyler), Evan Schonfeldt (Liam), Ellie Schonfeldt, and Olivia Schonfeldt, and he held his late grandson Wyatt Schonfeldt close in his heart always.
His love extended to his cherished great-grandchildren: Parker, Owen, Lauren, Sam, Mackenzie, and Harper, who will carry forward his legacy of gentleness and strength.
Terry grew up, worked, and raised his family in Kirkland Lake, a town that became the backdrop for the many lives he touched. He wasn’t just Terry—he was a teacher, a principal, and a second dad to many; a father, a Poppa, the love of Claire’s life, a role model, and the foundation of his family.
A man of many passions, Terry found joy in the great outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, and cruising the lake on his pontoon boat. He was the chairperson of Ducks Unlimited and a proud 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, reflecting a lifelong commitment to both conservation and community. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 21 years and was a dedicated board member of the Sesekinika Lake Property Owners Association, where he helped advocate for and preserve the area. While many knew him for his leadership and service, some may not have seen his creative side. He was a talented artist and a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his love of nature.
Terry was a sports enthusiast who actively played baseball, enjoyed curling, and also coached a variety of sports throughout his life. He was an avid fan, cheering faithfully for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays, and his hometown team, the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his presence—whether on the field, at a game, or in everyday life—made everything feel a little more special.
One of the most treasured constants in Terry’s life was the enduring friendship he shared with his lifelong, faithful buddies. These childhood friends remained a steadfast presence through every chapter of life—laughing, supporting, reminiscing, and occasionally getting up to mischief. Whether gathering around a fire, swapping stories on the lake, or simply being there through the highs and lows, their bond was something extraordinary. The joy, loyalty, and memories shared among this close-knit group added richness and laughter to Terry’s life, and their enduring friendship is a beautiful reflection of the kind of person he was.
Terry taught us what unconditional love truly looks like—not with grand gestures or speeches, but in the steady, selfless way he lived. His actions spoke louder than words ever could: his patience, his sacrifices, his constant presence. He showed us the importance of family, of showing up, of never letting the people you love feel alone.
Terry was always there—at every recital, graduation, birthday, holiday, and milestone. Sometimes front row with his camera, sometimes quietly in the background with a warm smile, but always there. He never missed a moment to tell us he was proud, that he believed in us, that we were never alone.
He was our protector, our greatest encourager, and the steady presence we could always count on. The thought of a world without him fills our hearts with sorrow. Yet, even in our grief, we find comfort in knowing that he lives on within us—in the love he so freely gave, the values he instilled, and the countless beautiful memories that will forever warm our hearts.
Terry taught us to live with kindness, to laugh often, and to love without limits. His legacy is one of grace, loyalty, and boundless love.
To know Terry was to love him. His kindness radiated in every interaction, his wisdom offered quiet guidance, and his gentle humour brought light to even the darkest days. He left an unforgettable mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him — from his beloved family and lifelong friends to the many students whose lives he helped shape. His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 9th from 1-4pm at the Kenogami Fire Hall and all are welcome to share memories and honour the beautiful life he lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local charity of your choice in Terry’s name—preferably one that reflects his spirit of giving and care.
We will carry him with us always.
Our family is beyond humble and proud of the legacy he has left behind.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Goreckie, Dr. Mallone, Dr. Lang, Dr. Kumar, Dr. Kurki, Dr. MacPherson, the Palliative Care Team, the VON, Homecare providers, the Oncology staff, and the Laboratory staff for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion throughout Terry’s journey.
Terry leaves behind a legacy that everybody wished they had, he was a Special man to everybody in his Life...So sad for you Claire and the Family and for the Multiple Friends he leaves behind, but like the saying goes, "All good things comes to an end"....RIP Terry Thanks for knowing me.
I knew Terry quite well as he was a member of the Great Chaput Hughes Crew who were deeply
respected by all and especially Terry himself !
Such a beautiful tribute for a very special man... cherish the memories.
Sending our deepest sympathies for your loss.
My sincere condolences to each and every one of you.
It has been forever since I have been out and about, but
never have I met or known any one who did not have special
feelings for Terry.
(((HUGS))) to you Claire and sending special Prayers to all.
from Shirley Downey.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, he was always a good friend at the lake.
Very sad to hear this news. I knew Terry through the MNR Fish and Wildlife Committee and his work as a waterfowl duck bander. His insight and dedication was greatly valued and appreciated and he will truly be missed. Condolences to his family.
I am so sorry for this great loss. He was a special soul, that's for sure. Sending my love and condolences.
So sad to hear of Terry passing we were the same age and I’ve known him a long time. My condolences to the family.
Sending our sincerest condolences for your loss! We will miss seeing his smile and hearing his laughter with his family that he cared so much for at the Poker Run this summer.
On behalf of my Mother, Yvonne and myself were sorry for your loss. Terry was definitely a lot of what was mentionned in the obituary to both my mother and I. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Again, our deepest condolences.
My most sincere condolences to all the family.I knew all the family of my generation and had many interactions with all of them in one way or another over many years.Lots of good times at Kenogami.RIP Terry.
Terry was an example to all people on how to treat each other. He was a role model to me as a young man and I have only respect and admiration for the tenacity of his love and commitment his family and friends and community. RIP Terry and I send love and hugs to all your family.
On behalf of the Hillgren family, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of Terry. He truly was a wonderful gentleman and will be sorely missed.
Sharon & Brainerd Paras, Ron Hillgren, Hal Hillgren
My deepest simpathy to family and friends. He was truly a kind and caring gentleman. My heart aches for you.
Rest Peacefully
Deepest sympathy from the Uhrayns. Terry was along time friend and baseball buddy of Bill’s even before I met Bill.
Sorry to hear of Terry's passing. Condolences to Claire and the family on your loss. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
On behalf on my family, we are very sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to the Schonfeldt family. Terry was a great person and will be sadly missed.
I am truly so deeply sorry for the passing of Terry. I was so distraught reading that he had passed. I have known him for so many years and he was such a great, kind man. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time.
We were so very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing! We’ve know him for many years and echo all of the sentiments mentioned in his obituary. He was one of “the good guys” and will be terribly missed by all who knew him! He leaves a true legacy..
Our hearts go out to all of you!!
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Terry. He was an exceptional man who carried a smile on his face always. He will be missed by all who knew him. Deepest sympathies to you all.
My love and regard go out the family. They have always been a special part of my life. May God be with you to help with the sorrow and pain you are feeling.
Love
Virginia (Ginny) Scott-Fleming
Kim and I, along with Mimi, offer our sincere condolences on Terry's passing. We were long- time neighbours of the Schonfeldts on Second Street. My first paying job was looking after their dog Tyko, whenever they were away. I played ball with Terry, I sang with him, and I always looked up to him. Terry was indeed, one fine gentleman. May the memories stay close to your hearts. Our thoughts are with you all.
I am so saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. He was a great inspiration to many and will be missed. XOXO
We are both very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. We r sending you all, a warm hug and know you are in our thoughts as you navigate the days ahead. Rest in Peace Terry!
I’m am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Schonfeldt. I send my deepest sympathies and will take a part of your sadness to carry in my heart. I hold very fond memories that I will continue to cherish dearly. (((Hugs)))
Our family is filled with sorrow learning of Terry’s passing this past Monday. Terry was special to each of my three sons and my wife & I. We always looked forward to visiting with Terry and the rest of you up at Sesekinika Lake each summer. We will fondly remember all the fun and mischief times with Terry, he was wonderful.
It saddens me to hear of this. My condolences to you Claire,Dave, Colleen, Andrew and family. Mr. SCHONFELDT was a genuine man, and wise soul with a beautiful smile. You sir will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss. Terry was one of the friendliest people I knew in Kirkland Lake. He always had a smile for everyone he met.
I will never forget when my family first moved to Kirkland Lake and he was my principal. We lost my brother and I struggled immensely so he let me have lunch in his office once a week just to ensure I was doing okay. He will forever be missed and cherished by all who knew him!
Terry was one of those rare good guys, and treasured by so many in KL. Working almost 10 years as a Eucharistic Minister, Terry showed incredible knowledge and Catholic strength. On behalf of so many, i'm deeply sorry for your loss, Claire. May you derive comfort from the many memories you both shared.
God Bless,
Donna Sonnenburg & Family
I was so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was the kindest most helpful person we met in our years in Florida. Both Tim and I truly enjoyed getting to know him. I know you have many fond memories to carry you forward. Sending my love to you and your family.
So sad to read this, even though we have been expecting it, but still hits hard. Him & Claire were such friends to us, although we didn’t spin a lot of time together. I’m sure he will continue to be a ray of light to many ! Rest in peace, friend.
So very sorry to hear this sad news Clarie, I know how very difficult it is to even accept what’s happening, I am sill struggling. But it does get easier. Please accept my condolences and prayers. Rest easy Terry.
My sweet Claire, all my love and prayers to you and your large precious family.
I wish I could be there to give you a hug.
Terry was indeed a wonderful guy, and I’m so happy I had a chance to see him a few years ago.
I have so many wonderful memories of the times we had together!
He was such a great example to his children , grandchildren and great grandchildren of what life and goodness is all about!
Love Sas
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Terry was a great man and his absence will be felt deeply by many! May he Rest in Peace
Terry my teacher and principal back when I was growing up in Kirkland lake he was very kind and upstanding to me. I respect him alot . My heart goes out to the family and Mrs. Schonfedlt . I couldn't not believe it when I heard about his passing. My heart is broken. Rest in peace my dear friend.
My deepest condolences to all. Mr. Schonfeldt (I always called him that, even after being neighbours and he asked me to call him Terry) was extremely likeable, welcoming, generous and loving. I know he will be missed by all of you and by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
So sorry to read of Terry's passing.
He was always so kind & friendly. Whenever I met you both. Thinking of you & your family. During this difficult time.
Bren
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Sshonfeldt. As a dedicated leader and mentor, he touched the lives of countless students, his commitment to education and unwavering support created a lasting legacy I will never forget.
My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with his family, colleagues and the entire school community during this difficult time. May he rest easy, and we continue to honor his memory through his values and vision.
Our deepest condolences to you all. May the great memories bring you comfort
Deepest condolences to you all, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. He always had a smile whenever anyone would run into him. He will truly be missed
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Terry after we played ball against him. He was a warm and compassionate soul who was always ready with a story that put a smile on your face. The world is a lesser place with his passing.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Terry. What a beautiful tribute to a man that loved and was loved by so many. Keep those memories close to your hearts. I am sure there is a Chaput reunion happening up in heaven! RIP Terry.
Our deepest condolences to the Schonfeldt family.Terry was a great influence on our children’s education and was an exceptional human being
May Terry rest in peace. Big hugs to you all. May his wonderful memories help get you through this difficult time. R.I.P.Terry
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing May the love, the laughs, the frustrations and lessons that you shared bring you comfort in the days to come
Dear Claire,
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Terry was a kind and gentle person. We will always remember all the fun times in Florida. Always remember that the stars in the sky are Terry watching over you. Hugs and take care.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Schonfeldt's passing. He was truly one of the best principal's.
RIP Sir
Terry was a good teacher at st Jerome we're I went and was a great person to know.
Elaine and I are saddened at your loss. Terry and I have been friends from his early days when his family was one of our neighbors in Chaput Hughes and later as educators throughout his career. Terry will be missed but his legacy of love, quiet strength, support and friendship will live on in your family and with friends and former students and colleagues. RIP Terry. Gord and Elaine Hamden
So sorry to read that Terry passed. He was a great person and a wonderful teacher. He will be greatly missed.
I am truly sorry to learn about Terry’s death, and I would like to offer condolences to Claire and his entire family in this time of sadness and grief.
What a beautiful tribute to Terry!
My deepest condolences to Claire, David, Kelleen and Andrew.
So many memories of Terry and Claire over all the summers we came to visit Uncle Bill.
Sending you all love!
Please accept our sympsthies. I first met Terry in 1983 when my wife and I were atrempting to start a ew Kirkland Lake ringette league. Terry let me address the assembly at the school where he was principal and enough girls signed up to form a 4 team league including both our daughters. Terry and I played old tymers baseball on different teams. Terry was a a good Kirkland Laker and nice man. RIP Terry.
Sincerest condolences to the entire Schonfeldt family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
My sorrow for your loss is deep. He touched my heart and soul every time we were together . I wish you all my deepest sympathy and know that he is safe and healthy in God's hands ️️
Please accept our deepest condolences. Terry will be missed by all that knew him. Our memories go back many years.
We are sad to hear of Terry’s passing. We remember him fondly through both your involvement with the Youth Encounter movement in the late 70’s.
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Cherish your memories. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachelle and I had the pleasure of meeting and treating Terry and I can tell you he was an exceptional man and human being. Although he will be missed, we are grateful he is no longer suffering or in pain. My Regards to Claire, Andrew, David and Kelleen.
The Bronsons
Sadness beyond words, Claire.
A lifetime of love.
Cathy Gross
In Loving Memory
Though our daughter Danielle was the one closest to his family, we came to know what a kind and beautiful man he was. Quiet, gentle, and good-hearted, he left a lasting impression simply through the way he lived and treated others.
We are grateful to have known him, even from a distance, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.
With sympathy,
The Blunt Family
Condolences to all the family. What wonderful memories you all will have, and Terry’s presence
and spirit will be within them all.
And what a beautiful obituary!
Thank you for the beautiful reflection of the life of an outstanding man and servant of God. My wife and I have spent 45 years vacationing at Lake Sesikenika and only the people are more beautiful than the scenery. Terry and Claire always welcomed us with open arms and hospitality, often a cold beverage. Terry will be deeply missed. His mortal life is over but his next journey just begun. Please cherish the abundant memories of your husband, brother, father , grandfather, great grandfather . We will cherish the memories of Terry , our great friend.
Rob and Jackie Stoiber
Like many others we are saddened by the news of Terry’s death. Terry was always known for his positive attitude , sense of humour, strong involvement in community activities and caring concern for all he knew!
He will be so missed by those he mentored and influenced .
Our sincere condolences-Brian and Gale
The eulogy was beautiful and it made me reflect that Terry will never be gone. He lives in all of us that he touched with his love and kindness.
He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Debbie and Bruce Hall and family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear soulmate, Dad and Poppa. Got to know Terry a little with his attendance and support of the Kirkland Lake Arts Council and appreciated his kindness and smiles. He was a pleasure to speak with. Wish I had gotten an opportunity to know him better.
Deepest condolences to the whole Schonfeldt clan. May those beautiful memories bring you comfort.
My deepest condolences,hugs. You two were always my favorite teachers and my best memories of my school years Christine (Galarneau) Bergeron
What a beautiful obituary, capturing the true essence of Terry! He truly was a kind and devoted husband, father, community member and educator. Treasure the beautiful memories you carry to help ease your pain during this very difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
Doug & Chris McFadgen
Terry and Claire taught my brother and sisters , then was the principal to 3 of my sons, he was well liked and will be sadly missed, RIP
Dear Claire, Our thoughts are with you and your family. It is difficult to express
our condolences appropriate. I like to think of him reunited with family and friends in heaven - and enjoying all that he enjoyed. A lifelong friend to my family and my ex-husband, so many wonderful memories of when we were young together. Such a good person/friend to all of us. Our love goes to all of you. He will be so missed!
Vi and family
