Mr. Randy Edward Heasman

Feb. 9, 1957 – May 12, 2015 Randy Heasman died last Tuesday morning at Toronto Grace Hospital with his wife Asha by his side, after a week surrounded by family and friends. He slipped away gradually at Grace, the final step in a three-year long struggle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 58. We will so miss Randy. His happy, disarming smile. His openness to everyone he met. His relentless energy. His love of fun and games. The way he mentored and inspired by example. His generous spirit. His laughter. His strength in the face of adversity. Nikki calls her dad “passionate” and “caring”; Ryan calls him “my friend”; Rahel says, “You pushed me and Ryan to be way better people.” To Asha he was simply, “the love of my life, instantly, when I first set eyes upon him.” Randy wasn’t complicated. What you saw – a charismatic, magnetic guy with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes and Tom Cruise good looks – was what you got. He didn’t bear secrets, hold grudges or look down on anybody. Randy came from honest, working class roots in Peterborough, Ontario. The scoliosis that he developed at 10 years of age made Randy feel like an “outsider,” in his words. He was bullied and wondered if he’d have a normal life and family. As a result, he dedicated his life and work to the service of others. He spent 30 years working for St. Stephen’s Community House in Toronto. Even in his recreational activities like hockey, he advocated for affordability and inclusivity. Randy is survived by Asha, his wife of 17 years, and three beautiful children: Nikkola ("Nikki" and her partner Greg), Ryan, and Rahel. He was pre-deceased by his parents Keith Edward Heasman and Lois (née Perritt) Heasman, and leaves brothers Brian (wife, Deirdre), Wayne (husband, Pascal), and five nieces and nephews: Paul, Micheline, Mary, Monique and Sean. We thank Princess Margaret Hospital and especially oncologist Dr. Michael Crump, who gave us extra time with Randy. We also thank all those who offered help and support during Randy’s treatment. Randy was cremated on May 14. We’ll celebrate his life on Saturday, May 23, at 4 pm. All are welcome to attend the service at Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil Street, Toronto. We’ll tell stories, play music and share memories together. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please contribute in Randy’s name to any of these charitable organizations: * St. Stephen’s Community House (www.sschto.ca) * Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation (www.thepmcf.ca) * Trent University (www.trentu.ca )