Eric Heath

Obituary

ERIC ROLAND HEATH, born in Glace Bay, N.S. on May 18, 1935, died peacefully at home in Port Elgin, Ontario on August 9th, 2024.

At a young age Eric embarked on an adventurous journey via train to Ontario. After a few stops through the province, he eventually met Ilean Parker while working at Loblaws in Guelph. Their marriage had them settle in Burlington where they welcomed a daughter, Heather.

Following a long career working at National Slag in Hamilton, Eric and Ilean retired to Southampton in 1994, further enjoying a life always enhanced by living close to a body of water.

Ilean predeceased Eric in 2018. He will be missed by Heather and son-in-law, Geoff Wells of Bayside, N.B. and granddaughter, Madison Wells of Victoria, B.C. who will always be grateful for her grandfather’s loving support of her passion for horses and pride in her educational and career accomplishments.

The Heath family was large. His brother, Jim of St. Catharines is his last remaining sibling. Survived by Jim’s wife, Sandra and sister-in-law, Barb. Also survived by Ilean’s sister, Glenna Fryer of Guelph. Eric’s love of social media kept him connected to his many nieces, nephews, and their families who he dearly loved and will feel his absence.

His cellphone was never far from his side as he did not want to miss anything happening in the lives of those he loved. He had a sincere interest in people and would learn your story soon after meeting you. Eric was a team member at the Port Elgin Day Away program, beginning as a valued volunteer, then becoming a twice weekly attendee. His passion for paint-by-number saw him complete several pieces that he was proud to have displayed on Eric’s Wall at the Day Away program center.

Eric’s family are grateful to his niece, Wendy and her husband Franklin, Ashley and her Day Away colleagues, and his favourite waitress, Blair, for their loving care in the past few years.

As in the lyrics of Dad’s favourite Leonard Cohen song, I have tried in my way to be free, Eric lived his life with purpose.