Obituary of Alan Heisey

HEISEY, Alan Milliken, U.E., P.Eng, M.B.A., passed away November 2 at age 86 after a sudden stroke, surrounded by his family. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Heisey, three sons and 10 grandchildren. Predeceased by brothers W. Lawrence Heisey and Karl Brooks Heisey. Alan was the eldest son of mining engineer Karl Brooks Heisey Sr., and his wife Alice Isabel (Smith) Heisey. Father Karl was the second of six children of Jacob Heisey and Ida Lehman, Markham farmers. Alan's mother Alice, was the only child of William Milliken Smith, U.E., and Katherine (McKibbon) Smith of Unionville, Ont. Alan was educated at Oakwood Collegiate, St. Andrew's College, The University of Toronto, and Harvard University. In 1953 Alan married the wondrous (to use his own words) Barbara Muriel Cornes of Hamilton, surviving sister to her brother William, who died while a boy. Their marriage was blessed by three fine sons: Alan Milliken Heisey II, Peter William Sharpe Heisey and Robin Mark Heisey. From son Alan Jr's marriage to Ariane de Bie of Ottawa, two sons, Christiaan and Diederik, and from Alan Jr.'s second marriage to Janet Heisey (nee Hebbes) of Toronto a son and daughter, Jacob and Rebecca. From son Peter's previous marriage to Janice MacGuigan of Toronto, three daughters, Alice, Monica and Melissa. From son Robin's marriage to Dr. Ruth Heisey (nee Wallingford) of Kingston, a daughter Emily, and sons, John and William. He is also survived by his brother Larry's children Janet and Mark, and his brother Karl's children Kate and David. Alan retired from a long career as publisher of The Daily Commercial News in 1989. At age 59 he founded Georgian Bay Today, and was its publisher, and editor for 25 years, finally ending his role at age 85 after producing 100 quarterly issues. He served two terms as a North York Alderman, earned a commission in the Toronto Scottish Regiment, had a private pilot's licence, and was an occasional business commentator on Global TV. An inveterate writer, pamphleteer and, most recently, blogger, he contributed to Time magazine, the New York Times, and many other publications, and was the author of the book The Great Canadian Stampede. Avocations were Georgian Bay and the Cognashene Community Church (including an annual Labour Day hymn sing) and nurturing parliamentary values with "-worm", an electronic newsletter. Rigorously defended the rights of Canadians to access talent beyond our country's borders, and advocated for electoral equality for city dwellers. He was an active promoter of civic beautification, the wearing of ties, the art of the sung grace, bread and gravy as dessert, do-it-yourself plumbing, wiring and taxes, and being generous with hugs. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 18 from 3-6 p.m at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George St., Toronto Funeral service on Wednesday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Georgian Bay Land Trust (gblt.org) or The Cognashene Community Church, c/o Fred Beattie, 12-165 Chandos Dr., Kitchener, N2A 4H8 Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.