In loving memory of REGINALD ERNEST HEAL
Born July 31, 1917, Telkwa, BC
Passed away June 7, 2004, Smithers, BC
Reginald Ernest Heal passed away in the Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers, on Monday evening June 7, 2004 at the age of 86. A memorial service and reception was held June 12, 2004 at the Smithers United Church with Rev. Marjorie Murdoch officiating. Phil Leroux gave an address from the Elks and Lawrence Heal gave the words of remembrance from the family.
Cremation and internment to follow at a later date at the Smithers Cemetery.
Reg was born on the Heal farm close to Telkwa on July 31, 1917. Reg went to school in Telkwa. His school room is the present Telkwa Museum. As a child, he helped on the farm plowing and planting. Prior to the war, he worked for a contractor, cutting ice at Lake Kathlyn for the railroad from MCBride to stops down the Skeena. When the war began and being unable to enlist, due to medical restrictions, he worked in the Telkwa coal mine in the winter and at the seed plant and farm in the summer. The family moved to Smithers in 1957 when Reg began his employment with SD54, a position which he held until retirement in 1982. He spent many hours with the Elks Lodge and their projects as well as mechanizing for friends and neighbours.
He leaves his loving wife Jean Heal; daughter Barbara (Ben) Hurstfield; son Lawrence; grandchildren Sonja (Ben) Thomas, Cynthia (Vance) Finch, Shani (Arnie) Parnell, Jordan Heal, and Fiona (Andy) Warren; great-grandchildren Brody, Madison, Brett, Danielle, Myles, Rafe; step-great-grandchildren Cora and Carolyn. Reg is also survived by his brother-in-law Art Marten; niece Rita (Rene) Van Summeren; sister-in-law Margaret Greguson, and numerous cousins.
Memorial donations in memory of Reg may be sent to the Bulkley Valley District Hospital or the Elks fund for children. Elks of Canada 100-2629, 29th Ave, Regina, SK, S4S 2N9.