Thomas Heyerdahl

Tom passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on January 25, 2018 at the age of 87. Here in Canada, he will be greatly missed by his children Fiona and Christopher, his beloved grandchildren Emily and Katie, son-in-law Greg, daughter-in-law Jennifer, long time friend Diane, and former wife Moyra. He was predeceased by his brother Axel, and dear friend Mervin. In Norway, he was predeceased by his brother Claus, and sisters-in-law Kari and Sonja. He is survived by his brother Johan Fredrik, sister-in-law Else, nieces Elisabeth, Grete, Barbra, Nora, and Kaja, and their families, as well as many long time and loyal friends, all of whom meant so much to him.

Born in Norway, Tom came to Canada in the 50's settling first in Toronto before travelling West to British Columbia, where he fell in love with Vancouver and decided to call it home. Canada was good to him. He married, had a family, and had two successful careers; the first as an insurance adjuster and the second in real estate. He never forgot his Norwegian heritage, returning frequently to Norway to visit family and friends. Tom’s life was never dull. He lived life to the fullest often pursuing thrilling, even life-threatening, adventures. He was fearless, generous, passionate, inspirational, and stubborn. He appreciated the little things in life and lived for every moment. He was a big man with a huge spirit and heart, who marched to the beat of his own drum. When asked what he wanted as his epitaph he answered “At Least He Tried”. Tom was, for all who witnessed him, one of a kind.

As his health declined, Tom’s deepest wish was to remain in his home looking out over his treasured view of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains “until they carry me out o’ here”. His family is so appreciative of the following members of “Team Tom” who helped to make this possible: his kind neighbours, who were always there to lend a hand; Benita and the team from ABC Home Support, especially Cherry, Marita and Sol for their wonderful care for Tom this past year; Elizabeth Leonardis, of the HomeViVE program, whose exceptional care and kindness meant so much to Tom; the remarkable team at Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre; the outstanding team at the Safeway Pharmacy (4th & Vine); the expert team at Macdonald’s Home Health Care; and the kind caregivers from Bayshore, many of whom have been a part of Tom’s care team for years. Finally, our heartfelt thanks to the phenomenal palliative care nurses and caregivers who were with us as Dad began his journey to Valhalla. We couldn’t have been in better hands.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family care of First Memorial Funeral Services, 602 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC (604-876-5585) http://www.dignitymemorial.ca/first-memorial-funeral-services/en-ca/index.page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver General Hospital Foundation. http://vghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/