It is with great sadness that the family of Henry Heggie announces his peaceful passing, at home, at the age of 79.
Born in 1943 in Glasgow, Scotland, Henry was the third of four children. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his wife of 50 years, Leslie, his children Lindsay (Vincent) and Iain, and his granddaughters Imogene and Miriam. Predeceased by his parents, William and Matilda, his sister Anne, and his beloved Granny Brown. Brother to John (of Kilmarnock, Scotland) and Bill (of Hamilton, Ontario).
Henry began his career as an elementary school teacher in Thessalon, sharing his love of astronomy by projecting the stars onto the classroom ceiling for his students. After a few years of teaching, he moved to Sudbury to complete degrees in English and Philosophy at Laurentian University, where he met his wife, Leslie. He became a professor at Cambrian College, teaching English and report writing, where he was employed until his retirement in 2007.
Teachers are often described as life-long learners, but this truly does describe Henry. His broad-ranging interests often converged around problem solving – he loved a good problem, from beginning to end: assessing, researching, and solving. (This process was especially enjoyable when it involved building something.) He was always reading, fascinated by language, the brain, history, and human society. Henry embraced life in Canada, admiring the works of the Group of Seven, taking up fishing, and discovering the sauna. This last activity was introduced to him by his new Finn family. As with everything he did, Henry jumped in with both feet and enjoyed competing to see who could withstand the hottest sauna. Henry also had a beautiful tenor voice. In his youth, he travelled the province with friends to sing at churches and other venues. At home, he would sing all the time: songs, hymns, silly rhymes from his childhood, as well as his own thoughts and questions. Henry was always interested in everything and everyone, loving nothing more than talking to people and learning something new.
Throughout his life, Henry loved golf: watching tournaments on TV, going to the driving range, playing local courses, taking golf trips abroad, and coaching friends. In his retirement, he taught himself to build custom golf clubs, both for himself and others, a combination of his passion for golf and problem solving.
But one of his best qualities was his heart. Henry would drop everything to help someone, lend them tools and equipment, or simply express his admiration for their skills and talents. He passed on his broad-ranging curiosity and love of learning to his children, and enthusiastically supported their interests. Henry sent his kids off to school not with a perfunctory “have a good day,” but with an earnest reminder to “make a good day.” That is certainly how he approached his own life – he made a good one, for himself and for those he loved.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church (1199 Lansing Avenue, Sudbury).
The family wishes to extend thanks to the attending emergency response team for their kindness and gentle care. Their sensitivity and consideration were greatly appreciated at such a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Henry’s name to First Books Canada (https://www.firstbookcanada.org/), a charity that aims to improve access to educational opportunities.