Thomas George Heppell, B.Ed., M.Ed., died on January 13, 2011 at home in Victoria with his family by his side. He was a native Victorian, born on January 6, 1931. Predeceased by his brother, Mike (Mary) and sister, Mary (Clarence) Tayler; Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Lois; children, Janice (Klaus) Vogel, Robin (Cindy Miklic), & Patrice (Fred) Patterson; grandchildren, Lorenz, Victoria, Haleigh, Troy & Faith; and many relatives in Victoria, Ontario, and England. He will also be missed by his many close friends and former students.
Tom was a teacher in Greater Victoria for 25 years and continued to teach (and learn) even up to his final days.
His favourite hobbies included fishing, telling stories, socializing with old and new friends, reading history books, working in his garden, and traveling – although Victoria was his paradise. Tom will be especially remembered for his love of his dogs, but above all – for his love of his family.
Visitation
Family and friends may pay their respects at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Monday, January 24, 2011 from 7 to 8 pm.
Funeral Service
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:00 am at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. Interment at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Greater Victoria Retired Teachers, Scholarship Foundation, ℅ Brian Tetlow, 81 High Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 5C8.
Condolences for the family may be offered at
www.McCallBros.com
Victoria, BC
Audio Recording of Funeral Service
Audio Recording of Tom Heppell’s Funeral Service – MP3
Tom Heppell Video Tribute
Tom Heppell Video Tribute – MP4
Memorial Folder for Tom Heppell
Click on the image to download Folder.
82 Responses
Dear Rob,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
BT
Mr. Heppell was my grade six teacher at Colwood Elementary in 1965-66. My sincere consolences to his family. Blessings, Debbie Greig
Dear Rob and family
Please accept my sincere condolence on the loss of your father. Losing a Dad is significant in our lives, so please take time for you, just to be and remember. May the blessings of God fill you with grace during these days.
Lois & family,
Mel has fond memories of working with Tom at B. C. Power Commission before he started his teaching career and Jeanie enjoyed working with Tom at Uplands Elementary School for many years. We know you will miss Tom’s presence everyday but hope that all of your wonderful memories over the years will help you through this very sad time.
To Rob and family. I was sorry to learn about the passing away of your Dad today through OFSA. We offer our sincere sympathy. May it be of some comfort to know that others have you in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Tom & Terry Flood Ottawa
Robin,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in you loss. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Lois and the entire Heppell family – Uncle Tom was a man of many, many stories and much laughter!! He delighted and educated me many a time. He will be truly missed. Much love to you all….. pia
To Lois and her family,
So sad to hear about Tom, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Lois, Janice, Patrice & Rob I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful husband and father. I shall always
treasure our wonderful times both in minor hockey and a UVIC. Tom was a great friend whom I will miss dearly. “Count your life by smiles. not tears; Count your age by friends, not years.”
Dear Lois,
It is difficult to help our loved ones through the final phase of their physical life. I know that you have done this with expertise, grace and all encompassing love. You have given Tom such an amazing gift.
All our love,
Joan and Dick Yerex