Terry Cichon

When looking back on the life of Terrance Cichon, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He faced challenges head-on with a fierce spirit of determination, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around him. Nothing brought Terry greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple or brief the moments. His big heart allowed him to impact the lives of countless others. Dearly missed, Terry will be forever loved by all who knew him best.

The 1940s were a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the world as WWII raged around the globe. Brave servicemen were called away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and clung to their radios for news. During these difficult years, however, there was a ray of light in the darkness for Joseph and Marian (Wolford) Cichon of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they excitedly awaited the arrival of their first child. On June 28, 1942, they welcomed their son, who they named Terrance Joseph, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Terry was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on Spencer Street in Grand Rapids alongside his six younger siblings, Tim, Maryann, Carol Lou, Dick, Don, and Dave. Terry was especially close to his brother, Dick. As the oldest, Terry took on a lot of responsibilities with his siblings. Holidays were spent at church and gathered with family. One Christmas Eve, the Cichon family was involved in a car accident while traveling to their grandparents’ house, and though Terry was quite injured, he made a full recovery. The Cichons often spent summers at the family cottage near Rainbow Lake, which was the backdrop for many wonderful memories.

Growing up, Terry attended elementary school at St. Alphonsus Catholic, then went on to attend Catholic Central High School. He took dance lessons from a young age and had a lifelong love for being outdoors. Terry played football in high school. He graduated in 1960, eager to see what the future held for him.

Exciting changes were in store for Terry as he met the woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Colleen McGuire, and the two first met at Terry’s family home, as Colleen was in college at the time and was studying with Terry’s sister, Carol Lou. Terry and Colleen felt an instant spark between them. Over the next year of dating, their relationship continued to flourish and blossom as they fell deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Terry and Colleen were married on May 10, 1968, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Allegan, Michigan. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to the family cottage before settling down into their first home in Wyoming, Michigan.

Of all the things Terry loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Colleen were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved children, Michael, Thomas, and Kelly, into their hearts and home. Terry thrived in his role as a father, and he worked tirelessly to raise and provide for his children. The Cichon family enjoyed vacations to Seaworld, Epcot, and Disney World in Florida, and they would often road trip down to Florida to visit family as well. Terry took great pride in the home they built in the countryside of Ada. The family used their fifteen acres to create a small hobby farm raising Holstein cattle. Later in life, Terry was thrilled to become a grandfather to Braxten, Kennady, Sienna, Brayden, Dakota and Allison. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them at every opportunity. Family was Terry’s first priority, and he always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Terry was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for himself and those who depended on him. In his early years, he felt the call to serve his country and spent several selfless years in the United States Air Force. Terry built a fulfilling career for himself as a tool and die maker. He poured many years of hard work into his job at Bissell before settling into his well-earned retirement early to care for his wife, Colleen, who has Multiple Sclerosis.

Never one to sit still for long, Terry pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He loved touring the Grand Rapids Art Prize to see the art, and he enjoyed tinkering and fixing things around the house. Terry was a regular reader of the Grand Rapids Press. He liked listening to polka and music from the 1950s and 1960s. Terry’s favorite musical artists included Elvis, Tina Turner, Céline Dion, and Adele. He loved Olaf from Frozen. Over the years, one of Terry’s favorite pastimes was spending time in the great outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, and caring for wildlife. Terry was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and he was very active in politics. He kept track of weather and climate events across the country. Terry was known for his love for Polish cuisine, and he enjoyed cooking and collecting recipes from books and online blogs. In Terry’s retirement years, he and Colleen embarked on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Even when Colleen needed more care and moved into a nursing home he would still visit, bring her favorite items, and drive her to doctor appointments.

As family and friends can surely attest, Terrance Cichon truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a shining example of kindness, loyalty, and service to others. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Terry was a friend to many and beloved by all. His primary focus in life was building personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, Terry leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Terrance J. Cichon, “Terry” of Ada, Michigan, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024 while in the company of his family. He was born in the summer of 1942 to the late Joseph and Marian [Wolford] Cichon. Along with his parents Terry is preceded in death by his brothers Tim and Dick Cichon, stepmother Sue Cichon and his sister-in-law Bonnie Cichon. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Colleen [McGuire] and their three children, Michael (Chloe) Cichon, Tom (Michelle) Cichon, Kelly (Steve) Baas as well as by grandchildren Braxten, Kennady, Dakota, Allison, Sienna and Brayden. Terry proudly served in the United States Air Force. Also surviving are Terry’s siblings, Maryann (Bob) Blauwkamp, Carol Lou (Bob) Moleski, Don (Karen) Cichon, Dave Cichon and sister-in-law Carol Cichon. A service to remember and celebrate Terry’s life will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Visitation with Terry’s family will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5-7 PM with Rosary Prayers recited at 6:30 PM as well as prior to the service on Thursday starting at 10 AM. For those who wish, you may honor Terry by making a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, (PO Box #91891, Washington, DC. 20090).

To read more about Terry’s life, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.