Daniel Guy Heather was born on March 13, 1959. He came into the world alongside his twin brother Douglas (Doug). He joined the Heather family, mother Clista Elaine Heather, née Davis, father Guy Robert Heather, older sister Marilynn and older brother Stephen (Steve). He grew up on Dunbar Street in Vancouver, enveloped by his immediate and extended family on the Heather side. There were frequent visits to and from Alberta with the Davis side of the family. Danny, as he was known when he was younger, developed many close friendships which have endured to this day, George, Erik, and Tom in particular, and later Steve P.
Dan was also very fond of our family cat, Coco. Like Dan, Coco was an independent soul, but there was clearly a close bond between the two of them and he deeply mourned his passing.
In 1994, Daniel as he then liked to be known, married Betty Cainong from the Philippines. The marriage formally ended after a number of years together but Betty remained close to Daniel, cared deeply for him, and continued to the present to regularly help in his care.
Dan was born with cerebral palsy which made it difficult for him to walk and presented many other challenges, especially as he aged. Despite this, Dan was very active in sports playing ball, ice and floor hockey as a youth and he became an avid golfer with a half dozen or so holes-in-ones on pitch and putt courses to his credit. For a while in his twenties he held a pass for Mcleery and walked the full course practically every day. As he got older, he became less mobile and eventually had to use a wheelchair. He still continued to bowl in the Varsity Ridge league and would often be seen motoring around town on his chair. Dan loved to play cards and board games with his friends, and immensely enjoyed family get-togethers. He was an extraordinary jigsaw puzzler and a lover of old TV shows.
Daniel valued his independence and autonomy greatly but also appreciated the help he received from family and friends as well as the care aides who visited him daily. His relentless good nature in the face of adversity, his kindness and gentle spirit were and continue to be an inspiration.
Daniel was a spiritual person and went to many churches in his life, most recently the Redemption Church. He had a strong Christian faith which sustained him in times of trouble.
On October 25, 2021, Daniel died suddenly of natural causes in his apartment. He left this world to be with his Lord and the spirits of those who have gone before. He has left a massive hole in our hearts and will be loved and remembered forever.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, November 3rd at the Redemption Church in Vancouver.