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, Lois, Janice, Patrice, Rob and family.
I hardly know how to express my sympathy with you to know your
father’s sudden death.
I deeply sympathize with you in your grief.
From, Hiroshi & Mitsu Fujihara
Liebe Janice, Lieber Klaus, Lorenz und Victoria,
“Eines Morgens wachst Du nicht mehr auf,
die Vögel aber singen, wie sie gestern sangen.
Nichts änderts diesen Tageslauf.
Nur du bist fortgegangen, du bist frei.
Und unsere Tränen wünschen Dir Glück”
J.W. v. Goethe
Ich bin dankbar Deinen tollen Vater kennen gelernt zu haben.
Mein Gedanken sind bei Euch.
Euer Freund
Frank
Liebe Janice, Lieber Klaus, Lorenz und Victoria,
Was sich in LIEBE verbindet bleibt ewig verbunden.
Wir wünschen Euch viel Kraft und Zuversicht für die
kommende Zeit.
Von Herzen unser herzlichstes Beileid.
Eure Freunde,
Maria, Michael, Marco und Maurizio Hassler
Mrs. Heppell,
I know music was important to Tom, and when I think of him, I remember the enjoyable evening we had when we went to see the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra perform a few years ago. It was nice to see his appreciation for music and I will always think fondly of him.
Take care,
Rheana
Erin and I wish you and your family solace during this difficult time. We know how much your dad was loved and how much he meant to all of you. Warm hugs, Gail
Liebe Janice,
Dein Vater muss ein wunderbarer Mensch gewesen sein.
Die liebevollen Worte auf dieser Seite und das Erinnerungsvideo zeigen das. Sie sind sehr schön und ergreifend.
Ich hatte das Gefühl ihn dadurch ein bischen kennenlernen zu
dürfen und habe gespürt, dass dieser Mensch viele Spuren
hinterlassen hat. Wir denken auch von Deutschland aus an
Euch und wünschen Euch weiterhin so viel Kraft, Liebe und
Zuversicht.
Deine Susanne
Rob, Cindy & family,
Our most heartfelt sympathies to your mom, sisters & all of the family.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Doreen & Bruce Armstrong
So sorry to hear of “Mr. Heppell’s” passing. He was our daughter’s favourite teacher. She loved his jokes and because he made her laugh, she loved learning. She still remembers his stories and we still possess one of the famous pottery bowls. She went on to excellent academic and personal achievement and for that we always remember to thank the teachers, especially the good ones. On the few occasions I’ve seen Tom in the past 25+ years we always shared a memory of Uplands School and he always seemed to remember our daughter. A life well lived and a difference made to so many children. Many thanks.
Dear Lois,Janice,Robin&Patrice,
I have so many happy, wonderful childhood memories that include Tom, and for that I am so thankful.
His presence, along with you Lois,forged the foundation of my life on Hobbs with an embracing love and supporting network that has continued to this day. An amazing life well lived with hard work and pride, standing beside his adoring family.
With my constant love & thoughts,
Mary xo
Lois, Rob & family–with our deepest sympathy.