Gerald Heatley

HEATLEY, Gerald Ernest Gerry died on February 27, 2007 at Saanich Peninsula Hospital after a short illness. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; sons Douglas, (his children Tara and Nick) and Gordon. He also leaves his brother Ronald in Ottawa. Gerry was born in England on December 21, 1925 and came to Canada as a child with his parents Ernest and Edna. In 1941, at age 16, he was encouraged" to join the Merchant Navy as a cadet where he served for four years in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. After the war, he joined the Naval Reserve and later the RCN as recruiting officer. He also founded the HMCS Carleton band and led it as Bandmaster for several years. Gerry eventually left the Navy to become the public relations officer for the Ottawa Citizen and after that spent most of his career in public relations for the Federal Government finally reaching the level of director in Industry, Trade and Commerce. While there, he handled the PR side of many trade shows all over the world. He finally earned a well deserved retirement in 1983 and moved to Sidney, BC. He loved to golf and played at several clubs in Ottawa and Victoria where he found many friends and golf buddies. He was a true `people person' and over the years made friends in all of his endeavours. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his friends and family. No service by request. No flowers please but donate to your favourite cause instead. A dropin reception for his friends, will be held from 3 6 PM at the Ardmore Golf Club on Saturday, March 10, 2007. Condolences can be sent to www.firstmemorialfuneral.com Fort Street link. 344804