Tribute

It is with great sadness, that the family of James (Jim) H.H. Heal, share his passing on May 18, 2022. Born in Vancouver B.C. on July 3, 1940, raised in Oliver. The eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. H. H. (Fyvie) Heal.

While his passing was extremely sudden, his family was blessed to be by his side in his last hours.

He is survived by his devoted wife Olga, two loving children (Allan and Tanya) and their partners, his beautiful granddaughters (Émilie and Chloë), siblings (Patricia, Aileen, George), and many nieces and nephews.

He had many occupations over his long adventurous life. In his younger years he worked for a short time on an oil tanker, off the east coast of Canada and a ranch in Nova Scotia.  He taught driving school in Vancouver and did some substitute teaching. He trained as a geologist, worked in California and at the Sullivan Mine in Kimberly B.C.

In the mid 1970s’ he came back to Oliver and started his career as an orchardist. In 1979 Jim and Olga married, started a family and settled down to the not unfamiliar life of orcharding.

Jim was a passionate geologist and orchardist as well as passionately curious about everything. To those who knew Jim, his giving nature and kindhearted spirit will endure. His love of nature, history, geology, and orcharding kept him a lifelong learner, while also providing him an encyclopedic repertoire shared with all those whom he engaged in lively conversation. He loved talking to people whether he knew them or not. He made many friends and met many interesting people throughout his life.

He loved being on the land, he loved nature and always made sure he limited its abuse under his stewardship.  No matter how much the world and time tried to slow him down he refused to surrender. To his dying day he continued to work as hard as ever.

He will be truly missed by his loved ones. But with joy, not sorrow, for he filled all our lives with happy memories that we cannot think of without laughter in our hearts

Dear Jim, as always, courage in all things, “Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns.” A. Lord Tennyson.

We love you, always.

The family extends its thanks to the healthcare team at the South Okanagan General Hospital for their warm and heartfelt care. To John Nunes and his staff at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service for taking care of us at this difficult time. Reverend Patrick Reid and Bruno at St. Edward’s Anglican church. The CWL and Christ the King Catholic Church for hosting the reception.

Thank you to all those who were there when Jim needed help, called the ambulance and alerted the family. You gave us precious time.

A funeral service will be held at St. Edward’s Anglican Church at 2:00 pm, Tuesday May 24^th, 2022 followed by interment and committal at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery. At reception in Christ the King Catholic Church lower hall hosted by the CWL will follow the interment.

The service will be live streamed and archived for viewing later at: https://nunes-pottinger.com/obituary/james-heal/

Condolences and tributes may be directed the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com