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February 26, 1946 - March 27, 2021
Edward Robert Heyes passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021, at the NRGH palliative care unit with family at his side.
He was born in Ladysmith on February 26, 1946 and survived by his loving wife, Vinessa and sons Bob (Carina) and Derek; granddaughters, Hannah, Caisa, Natalie, Elizabeth and Allison.
Ed worked at the Harmac Pulp Mill for 41 years, retiring in 2006 followed by 5 years with the City of Nanaimo. In the 1960's he played goal for the Nanaimo Luckies Senior B Lacrosse Team winning Canadian championships in 1966 and 1969.
His sons followed in his footsteps playing goal in lacrosse. Starting in the 1970's, he became an officer with the sea cadet corps RCSCC Amphion. He got great satisfaction training cadets in seamanship at HMCS Quadra during summer months.
He became the Commanding Officer of RCSCC Amphion from 1982 to 1985, and after 15 years of service, supporting Canadian youth, he retired.
Ed then devoted his time to his passion for hockey, becoming trainer for the BCJHL Nanaimo Clippers and Cowichan Valley Capitals from 1989 till the early 2000's where he touched many young athletes' lives. The past 3 years he enjoyed volunteering with the Ladysmith & District Historical Society.
Vacation time usually meant cruising and travelling to many parts of the world. Air shows were high on his list as a must see whenever possible. He passed his love of aviation onto his sons. When the granddaughters were younger, he especially enjoyed the years they came camping in the summertime.
Always active, he enjoyed skating and snowshoeing. He spent many long hours decorating his yard to celebrate holidays throughout the year with handmade cut outs and Christmas light displays that would impress Clark Griswold.
Family gatherings, dinners and time together were always special and created many beautiful memories that will live on forever. He will be greatly missed.
We would like to thank Dr. Beerman for his care of Ed over the years. Also special thanks for the care received at St Paul's Hospital ICU and NRGH ICU.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or Canadian Diabetes.



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