Denis Eric HEARLE

HEARLE, Denis Eric (Mike): 1926 - 2024 Denis Eric (Mike) Hearle was born May 6, 1926 in Indian Head Saskatchewan to Eric and Ida Hearle. In 1933 the family suffered a huge setback when his father Eric finally succumbed to the mustard gas injuries he had sustained as a soldier in WWI. His mother Ida (a recent British immigrant) then sent Mike to a private boarding school (Father Mackie's) in Vernon. When he transferred to Kamloops High School he was skipped two grades, much to the annoyance of his older sister Dru. In Grade 12 all of his science teachers had joined the military (WWII had broken out) and he was sent to Vancouver to finish high school at Lord Byng. Mike joined the RCAF but the war ended before he was shipped overseas. Then Mike went to UBC (Agriculture Program - Proud Aggie) where he met his love and future wife Shirley who was in Normal School (Education Program). His working life began by rejoining the air force until 1959. The family then moved to Surrey where he worked at BC Distilleries and Weiser Locks (Vancouver) until retirement. Mike had a deep attachment to Osoyoos built from a joyful childhood through to his later years. His father Eric and his best friend Les Goodman each bought orchards shortly after WWI (the orchard is still with the family to this day). Mike's dream was to move and live on the Osoyoos orchard, but it was an unrealised dream as he needed the stability of a good job to raise his family. As an absentee landowner he was grateful for the friendship and help of many local families including the Abels, Dicksons, Fernandes', Fodeys, Frasers, Goodmans, and Wozalinkoffs. His final chapter was Mike and Shirley's retirement years in Penticton where their daughters Nancy and Mimi lived. This also brought him closer to the orchard and his son Eric. Throughout their life they enjoyed curling, bridge, reading and traveling. They enjoyed a final gathering of their friends and family in June 2024 when they celebrated 75 years of marriage. Mike passed away September 2, 2024 and was predeceased by his two sisters Dru and Sally, his daughter Mimi and his grandson Jake. He is survived by his wife Shirley and the rest of his descendants: Children - Eric (Toy), Kathy (John), Nancy (Glenn), Grandchildren - Nikki, Sean, Jasmine, Brianne, Nigel, Misha, Reid, and his 10 Great-Grandchildren. He is also remembered by cherished nieces and nephews. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com