Terrence W. Dancey

Terrence W. Dancey, age 87, of Northville formerly of Orange County, California, passed away on April 19, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; son of Llyod and Ruby (Alger) Dancey. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Heide Saduddin in 2013; spending over 11 years devoted to each other.

Terry was raised in Ontario, Canada. During the housing boom of the 1960s, he moved from Edmonton, Ontario to Orange County, California, where he continued to build his successful business. In 2019, he relocated to Northville, Michigan, to be closer to his family. After settling in Michigan, he enjoyed spending his winters in Florida.

As a young man, Terry honed his skills and built a successful business in the painting and coating industry, founding Dancey and Company LLC. Starting from the ground up, he began with painting and seal coating, learning every aspect of the trade. He later transitioned into sales, and in his later years, shifted from sales and marketing to providing quotes. Terry retired in 2019 at the age of 81.

Terry’s greatest passion in life was hockey. He played until the age of 75, when, after taking a hard hit during a senior league game, he knew it was time to hang up his skates. His favorite team was the Anaheim Ducks, and during his own league play, he skated at the Ducks Ice Arena. Terry also loved traveling and taking cruises. Among his most memorable adventures were a cruise from Hawaii to Tahiti and a European river cruise he shared with Heide. In his downtime, Terry enjoyed watching classic movies. He had a lifelong love for dogs and was blessed with many loyal, furry companions over the years. When he loved something, you knew it—he’d smile and say, ‘This is world-class,’ one of his favorite phrases. Terry will be remembered for his hard work, dedication, and love of life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Terry is survived by his loving wife Heide; his children, Donnie Dancey, Debbie Dancey, and Dana (Milcha) Dancey; his stepson Tarek (Jennifer) Saduddin; his brother Gordon (Jennifer) Dancey; his grandchildren, Brian (Jen) Johnson, Hannah (Kyle) Ryan, Jacob (Sydney) Saduddin, and Amy (Michael) McDonald; and 6 great grandchildren with another one on the way, Madelyn, Luke, Ava, Levi, Kayden, and Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Dancey, and his sister Lois Porisky.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Michigan War Dog Memorial, a peaceful cemetery in Milford, Michigan that Terry visited honoring all the retired military working dogs and service dogs. Donations can be sent to 542 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Milford, MI 48380.