Obituary of Donald Heasman

After 64 years of life filled with adventure, love, children, dogs, and passion, it is with great sadness that the family of Donald Spencer Heasman announces his unexpected and sudden passing at his home on Friday, April 9, 2004. Taken too soon, Don will forever be remembered as a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and an individual who gave countless hours to the community of Calgary. His passion for life, learning, family and community continue on. He will be missed by many people. If you?ve ever met Don, you would remember him. He had such an impact with his humour, his laughter, his stories, his presence, and his optimism. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on April 10th, 1939 to his parents Ed and Elsa Heasman, Don attended St. Paul?s High School in Saskatoon and thereafter went to the University of Saskatchewan to pursue a Commerce Degree after having received the Navy League of Canada scholarship. Don served with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve attaining a rank of Lieutenant Commander. He maintained his Navy ties and was the current Vice President of the Naval Officers? Association of Calgary. Don was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed time on the water, golf, hunting, camping and long walks in Fish Creek Park with his dog, ?Dallas?. Don loved to ride his Honda Goldwing on the open road with blue skies and the beautiful scenery of Kananaskis country surrounding him. He could often be seen cruising the streets of Calgary in his pride and joy, a red Mustang 1966 convertible which he refurbished himself. Don?s business acumen was exceptional. He received his CA designation in 1967 and launched his career with Touche Ross & Co. (now Deloitte & Touche) at that time. Over the course of his tenure with Deloitte & Touche, he became the Regional Partner for the Prairies. He enjoyed the challenges of this work and also made many lifelong friends. Don received the prestigious honour of ?Fellow? of the Alberta Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1988. Don?s passion for agriculture led him to become the CEO of the Alberta Wheat Pool and the President and CEO of Agri-Partners International. Later in his career, his entreprenueurial flare led him to found Equity Partners International. Don?s community services began early and included involvement with the South Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, the Rotary Club of Calgary, and Venue Chairman for security and transportation for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He was dedicated to the Haskayne School of Business and was a past Chair of its Management Advisory Council. His Chairmanship of the Calgary Convention Centre Authority led to the construction of the new Telus Convention Centre. Don was appointed to the Calgary Police Commission (CPC) in ?97 as Vice Chairman, later becoming Chairman of the Commission. Most recently, his work with the CPC was a great source of pride for Don. He enjoyed every aspect of his CPC duties and was excited about the future. He was extremely passionate about his volunteer work and felt honoured to be able to make such a meaningful contribution to the community. Don will be forever cherished by his daughter Heather Heasman (Dave Vankka), son David Heasman (Marcy), sister Gayle McClelland (John), grandson Matthew Vankka, cousins Sandy Knox, Gary Heasman, and Bill Heasman; nieces and nephews Debora Stranaghan (Dale), Cheryl Vandergaag (Ken), Darren McClelland (Bev), and great niece and nephews Alexandra, Justin, Devan, Matthew and Maxwell. Don is predeceased by his parents Eddie and Elsa Heasman. Heather and David wish to extend special thanks to Stephanie Ho Lem, Al Duerr & Kit Chan, Chuck & Gayle Szmurla, Inspector Rene Bailly, the Vankka family, the Boler family, the Gillespie family, Paul Blenkhorn, Kathryn Lawson and Tamara Bews. Your care, kind words and love eased our long journeys back to Calgary. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY?S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Sunday, April 18 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 ? 8th Street S.W.) on Monday, April 19, 2004 at 1:30 P.M. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6. Telephone: (403) 264-5549,. www.heartandstroke.ca In living memory of Donald Heasman, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.