West Hartford, Vermont - Terry Martin Wheeler, 70, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at his home in the presence of the love of his family.  He was born on May 5, 1953, at the Alice Peck Day Hospital in Lebanon, NH into a large family with parents Ernest and Hazel (Campbell) Wheeler at the helm.  As one of eight children, Terry intuitively knew the importance of a supportive family and a sense of humor.  Those traits carried him far and drove who he was as a person. For every role that he filled, he put his whole self into it to be the best he could be: husband, dad, brother, grandfather, cook, painter, friend, and so many more. Amazingly, he could be fully present and immersed in all of them.

As a young man, his best friend died, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters. He stepped up to help them and over time, went from Uncle Terry to Dad, marrying Rose (Gokey) Farrell on February 10, 1990.

He greeted every day and encounter with optimism, humor, and a smile. He lifted others up with his humor; when he heard or saw a great joke he couldn't wait to share it and bring a smile to others.  Selfless, even while in a hospital undergoing chemotherapy, he expressed concern not for himself, but his fellow patients, many who were younger than him. He always put the needs of other people before himself.

He adored spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, especially since playing with them meant that he got to be a kid again too! Whether it was creating a chariot out of a laundry basket, sliding down the steps of a stone wall in a snowstorm, or riding toddler scooters and bicycles, his joyous approach to play meant that he was an immediate hit with all of the kids.  He also taught many of them to appreciate wildlife and hunt deer (although he enjoyed watching the deer as much as the hunt).

He is survived by his wife Rose Wheeler of West Hartford; four daughters Amanda (Paul) Boyle of Newport, NH, Julie (David) Cahoon of Windsor, Amanda Johnson of White River Junction, and Brenda (Brandon) Kenison of West Hartford; two siblings Becky Wheeler and Jack (Irene) Wheeler, all of Orford, NH; his best friend Barry Lashway of South Strafford, VT; nine grandchildren Nickolas, Logan, Alexis, Rylie, Cassandra, Coraleigh, Macayla, Bryton, and Braydon; other relatives and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings Ivan, James, Allen, Daniel, and Judy.

A celebration of Terry's life will be held on Sat., November 4, 2023, at the West Hartford Library from 1 to 4 pm.