Mr. Bruce Moffatt Hea

Bruce Hea passed away on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the age of 91 years. Bruce will be missed by his daughter Kathy Hanrahan, son-in-law Peter Hanrahan, grandchildren Matthew and Jenn Hanrahan, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear wife, Sheila Hea, his brothers Riley, Dennis and Terry, and his sister Lucille. Bruce was a loving husband and father who always provided words of wisdom and a supportive shoulder to lean on. He cherished his family and, in his later years, enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how the world works and watching them pursue hockey and dance until Alzheimer’s made attendance too difficult. Bruce was a veteran of WWII. His true passion throughout his life was flying, especially gliding. He competed in provincial and national competitions, winning the Provincial Soaring Championship three times. He loved instructing new glider pilots, particularly converting power pilots to flight without an engine. In October, 1981, Bruce set a new Canadian Absolute Altitude record, flying his glider to a height of 34,400 feet. This record still stands today. Bruce was a life-time member of the CuNim Gliding Club and worked with determination to enhance the club and its facilities. He was influential in the development of the sport in Alberta, in particular the opportunities to pursue soaring at Cowley. When flying was no longer possible, he turned his attention to volunteering at the Aero Space Museum of Calgary, meticulously helping to restore aircraft for their collection. A few years ago, Bruce remarked that he had “lived a good, long life and was very satisfied.” May we all feel that way in the end. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Edgemont Retirement Residence, where he lived for the past seven years, as well as the kind and caring staff of the Colonel Belcher Veterans’ Care Centre where he resided since August. A private family memorial will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.