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
My condolences to the entire family.
Tom was an excellent educator. He allowed his Uplands Elementary Grade 5 students the opportunity to appreciate the arts but even more than that, he treated us like adults.
I remember in Grade 5 having long conversations with him about the goaltending styles of Patrick Roy and Ron Hextall, endlessly debating the merits of both. I have great memories of the pottery wheel and his fabulous Parker pens!
My deepest sympathies
Jamie Gillies
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Lois and family,
I was saddened to read of “santa’s” passing. He knew my siblings and I from the time we were born through the Kinsmen Club. He taught us at Monterey, giving my younger brother Ray the nickname of “Phillamore Magillicutty”. He was a gentle soul, great teacher and family man. Treasure his memories, jokes and wicked sense of humor. His physical self may be gone but his spirit is within everyone he touched.
My sincere condolences to Janice and your family. I only met your father a few times but always remember a very pleasant and kind man. You and I spent many hours working and socializing at the Village Inn Restaurant sharing moments about our families and for that I am very thankful.
Thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Sincerely
Carol
To Lois, Janice, Robin, Patrice and Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Our connection to your family is through Rob who has become very close to us this past year, and has done so much to help us through our difficult times, Rob spoked often of his family to the point we almost felt we knew you. Tom must have been proud to have such a wonderful and caring family.
Sincerely,
Daryl and Barb Williams
My condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of an exceptional Grade 5 teacher at Uplands (1977). So sorry to hear of his passing, your loss and the loss of a wonderful teacher
My thoughts our with you.
Karen Fischer (Searle).
My heart goes out to Lois and Tom’s kids and grand-children. How can you not miss such a wonderful Man? Tom was a great and loyal friend to my father, Jim, and to my sister, Connie. Tom and Lois were very kind to me when I was young. I expect that Tom will be greeted in Heaven by many people he loved, who passed on before him. God bless you and watch over you all.
Rob,
Just wanted to offer our sincere Sympathy to you and your
Family, in the loss of your Father. Kindly convey my Condolences
to your Mother and other members of your Family.
I’m sure God must have a special place of Honour in Heaven
for teachers and that your Dad’s spot is reserved front and centre.
Being a teacher is a very stressful….ask me, I did it for a long time.
That is why I went to a quieter, easier field of endeavor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with You and your Family.
Sincerely
Ken And Marian Theaker
Rest in Peace, Mr. Heppell. You were a great inspiration.
My sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful teacher. He was my grade 5 teacher at Uplands Elementary (I’m now 32) and I remember him well (especially his elegant handwriting methods). I will never forget him.
Misha
Dear Lois,
So very sorry to read of Tom’s passing. My thoughts go out to you and the family at this difficult time.