Orville Ralph Heideman

1940 - 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dad on Friday October 18th at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus in his 85th year.

Beloved father and grandfather to his daughter Julia Whalen, her husband Mike, sons Liam and Matthew, his son Jason Heideman, his wife Tara and their sons: Hudson, Cooper and Tucker, and his daughter Amanda Heideman and her son Ryder. He will be dearly missed by his sister Lois Robinson, her husband Bill and their family, his sister in law Glenna Heideman and her family.

Predeceased by his parents Alfred and Meta (Lenser)Heideman, his brother Harvey and his nephew Ian. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends especially: Susan Heideman, Cindy, Lisa and Ed, Jennifer and Simon, Carol and Jeff and their families, also his friends Gord and Bob.

Orville graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked for Atomic Energy of Canada for 35 years which granted him and our family the opportunity to travel the world.  Through his love of bird watching and gardening, Orville was an avid photographer; we will forever cherish his lifelong collection of photographs and all his slide shows. Orville helped his family in any way he could: he worked at his daughter Julia’s business CountrySense in Fergus for 7 years helping customers solve problems and would always lend a hand around the family farm. Three years ago Orville sold his home in rural Acton and moved into Heritage River Retirement Home in Elora where he enjoyed his remaining years alongside other residents and especially his dear friend Brenda. He was known to make others smile and was loved by those around him.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Heritage River, whose compassion and care provided Orville with a comfortable home in his final years. Orville lived with Polycystic Kidney Disease which brought many health challenges, and we would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Groves Memorial Hospital for their unwavering care, kindness and support at all of his visits. We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kottachchi (Guelph) for his expertise and perseverance in helping Orville live a full life, and Rachel and her team at Center Wellington Remedy RX for their outstanding personalized service.

Following his wishes cremation has taken place and we invite friends and family to the family farm on Saturday November 23rd at 2PM to gather in his memory and celebrate his life. Please contact his grandson Matthew at 519-803-6304 for details and directions.

Donations may be made to Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation of Canada as expressions of sympathy.

Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Orville’s obituary notice on Facebook.