Tribute

Michael Patrick Blake Heron June 26, 1940 – April 11, 2018

It is with great sadness the Heron family announces the passing of their husband, father and grandfather Michael Heron.  Born in Victoria, BC to Nancy and Arthur Heron he was the youngest of three boys.  Predeceased by his mother and father, older brother Peter, sisters-in-law Iris and Maureen, and son Johnathan, he is survived by his brother, David, wife, Laurie, children Joanne (Scott), Angela (Brent), Sarah (Dan) and Dean (Therese), and 8 grandchildren. Michael grew up in Meadow Lake, Winnipeg, Wilkie, Lethbridge and Saskatoon. He attended the University of Saskatchewan for his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biology, and received his Masters of Education at UBC.  He taught high school for three years in Saskatoon and then moved to Mbala, Zambia, to teach with CUSO.  It was there he met his wife, Laurie Heron. Their three daughters were born in Zambia.  After a short stint in London, Michael and the family moved to Whitehorse, Yukon, where he had an opportunity to gain administrative experience as the President of the Yukon Teachers’ Association. Michael and Laurie’s son, Dean, joined the family when they moved to Whitehorse.  It was at that time, Michael started with the Canadian Teachers Federation where he became president and then moved the family to Ottawa.  After his term as president of CTF  he moved back to BC, to Kitimat, where he was Vice Principal, Principal and Superintendent of schools.   Moving to Powell River in 1986 he continued as Superintendent of schools and was elected President of the BC Superintendents Association. Michael was passionate about music and thoroughly enjoyed many years singing with Chor Musica, even to recent days.  Michael endured his long illness in the same manner in which he lived his entire life: with courage, strength, the utmost dignity, and perhaps a generous dose of stubbornness. With his children at his side and the gentle farewell kiss of his devoted wife, he took his last peaceful breath surrounded by immense love. Laurie and children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude for the support and love of extended family, friends and church community for walking this journey with them now and always.

A service is to take place on Tuesday, April 17 at 1pm at the Powell River Academy of Music. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Powell River Academy of Music or the Powell River Hospital Foundation