Byron passed peacefully at age 81. He leaves behind his wife Viola of 55 years, daughters Laurel and Heather (Ross), son Cameron (Julie), step grandchildren Taylor (Shawna) and Trina (Charles), brother David (Louise), and sister Carollyn (Ed).
Byron was born in Winnipeg and took his elementary education there. Then the family moved to Fort William, Ontario. On a trip to Victoria in the winter, they discovered roses blooming, green grass, and golfers on the golf course. The family drove back to Ontario, sold their belongings, and moved to Victoria.
Byron graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at UBC in 1967. After 1 year of internship at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, he began his practice. He practiced for 46 years, retiring in 2014.
Byron was a kind, gentle man and was a good listener. He was a committed family man – a supervisor for the piano practices and homework. He loved his garden, growing tomatoes and even mowing the lawn, but his favorite was the peach tree. Every house the family moved to, Byron planted a peach tree and took great care of the budding fruit.
Byron was involved in many church activities throughout his life, including Boys Brigade leader, Sunday School teacher, choir, Board member, and food prep for the senior’s luncheons. He also played the organ for the early church service in the 70’s and 80’s.
Byron loved Christmas — the lights, decorations, food, and the carols. His favorite carol was “O Holy Night.” One of his traditions was to ensure there was a steady supply of homemade fudge and to make cinnamon buns on Christmas Eve.
Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Victoria General Hospital Emergency, ward North 6D, and ICU who cared for him so well during his last days.
Celebration of Life service will be held on December 9, 2023 at 2 pm at Central Baptist Church (833 Pandora Ave).
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Attended Central and in youth group with his kids
Loved his organ playing at church when I growing up at central Baptist
We will miss Byron and we spent a couple years
meeting up with him and his family on Maui beach and We valued our visits on the beach and a supper together
He will be missed and have prayed for the family during his time in hospital
My dad and him enjoyed conversations And glad he was at moms 85 th birthday tea in July
Now they are in heaven seeing Jesus face to face
Until we see you again
We are praying for Viola and her kids at this difficult time
May God be close to you all as you grieve your husband and dad
Praying
We always mourn a loss .. but knowing Byron is at home with Jesus brings great joy. So Heather and I moun with you but rejoice as well. Our love to all the family
Heather and Cam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys and the loss of your dad. While I only met him a half dozen times are so I remember him to be a kind and compassionate man.
While it’s never easy to loss a parent, there is relief in knowing he is with Jesus and you will meet him again in heaven one day!
When I lost my mom, one of the greatest things was hearing the stories from others at the memorial on how my mom impacted their lives. I hope you get to experience similar at your dad’s celebration of life.
Pete Lewis
Airdrie, Alberta
Lifting your family up in prayers. Know that you are loved. I rejoice knowing that you will be with him again in Heaven. He has been such a blessing to so many of us. Thank you JESUS.
Dr. Heal was our family doctor for many years. He always had time for us. One example of this is the Christmas when all four of us ( 2 adults and 2 children) were sick with the ‘flu. He made a house-call on Boxing Day and checked everyone.
Byron was a good listener and we always appreciated his advice.
I will always remember Dr. Heal as the epitome of a wonderful family doctor. He was kind, compassionate, and I felt that he always saw me as a person rather than a patient. Rest in peace, Dr. Heal.
We have been privileged to have known Byron and his family since we arrived in Victoria in 1978. We have served together with Byron and several of his family at Central Baptist Church, in various capacities. He was a good friend and a faithful servant. He will be missed, but we know he is in a better place. Our prayers continue to be will Viola and the family.
Dr. Heal was my family physician when I lived in Victoria many years ago. Never can forget his kindness to me. Enjoyed worshipping with he and his family at Central and enjoyed hearing him play the organ. Blessings to all of the family during this difficult time.
Arlyne Larsen, Calgary, AB
Thinking and praying for you all. This season of life has come so quickly to us all. We remember Byron as our doctor and felt he and Viola were truly friends. “with Jesus which is far better.” but certainly leaves a gap in our lives.
Hi Family Heal…my sincere condolences in hearing of Byron’s passing.
I enjoyed our time together while helping in the kitchen for the Prime Timers luncheons. Vi.. I have missed seeing you at church and wondered if all was well. God Bless you in this time of sadness. Hope to see you again soon. Kindest regards, Gerry.
Dr. Heal was my family doctor most of the time I lived in Victoria which has been since 1970. I did not realize what an exceptional doctor he was until he retired in 2006. I was unable to connect with a new doctor who was as honest and attentive as Dr. Heal. I had a series of negative experiences with doctors and clinics that made me appreciate Dr. Heal even more. Dr. Heal is the standard by which all doctors should aspire to practice.
Dr. Heal was my doctor from the time I was a baby until I left Victoria as an adult. He was patient and kind, always had time for my questions, and was willing to discuss the whys and hows with a budding biologist. He certainly set my expectations of how family care should be to a very high standard. My deepest condolences to Viola and family, and may your memories of him carry you through difficult times.
Dear Viola and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking of you all today. How wonderful to see his face and read about his life.
Dear, kind Dr Heal was our family doctor from 1970 something until his retirement. Then he passed me and my records (in person) to his friend, my next long time family doctor. Over the years I’ve thought of you both often and how blessed I have been to have Byron and Viola in my life.
With love,
Fran
We are thankful to have known Byron and Viola and their faithful ministries to their family, church and patients. What a wonderful legacy to leave for his family. We look forward to meeting again in heaven. Pray that Vi and family may have many blessed memories as they mourn his passing.
Vic and Alice Nordstrom
Viola, we are so sorry for your loss. Both of us lost our first spouses and know the pain that comes with that. Feel free to call us if you just need to talk. It does help when someone understands that loss. 403-526-8561. We have been praying for you and will continue to do so. May you and your family feel the tangible presence of Christ as He ministers love and comfort to you. 💕
Your friendship from across the street back in 1970 helped me belong to Victoria and Canada when everything was new to me in my new country.
I am sure God will supply you in His way with love, grace and courage for each day ahead. He is faithful forever.
So sad to hear of Dr. Heals passing- they truly broke the mold when they made such a kind and compassionate man. He was our family Dr. since 1970 until he retired, I was 6 years old when I first met him, his warm smile and gentle nature putting me at ease immediately. Later in my life he took on my husband as a patient and delivered my son. I remember Mrs. Heal always working in the office by his side, both so kind and attentive. My condolences and prayers to Mrs. Heal and all of her family during this very difficult time.
I called on Dr Heal and Viola as a pharmaceutical rep for over 15 years. He was one of my favorite doctors to visit. You both made the office warm and welcoming. My condolences to you, Viola and your family. He was a wonderful man.
Thank you Dr. Heal for caring for our family over many years.
Sincerely,
Tina and Leo van Dyk
Dear Vi and Family, I am very sorry to have lost a wonderful brother-in-law.
Byron was always so friendly and gracious. We always enjoyed our visits with you whether it was in Victotria or in Williams Lake. Although I feel sad for you, I am also happy because Byron is with the Lord, in a new healthy body worshipping Jesus, face to face and exploring all the wonders of Heaven. I am praying for the Lord to give you peace and comfort.
Thank you Dr. Heal for caring for our family for many years.
As a fellow physician, I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Byron for many years as we shared medical call group duties with a group of like-minded family doctors. Bryon was quiet, well-spoken, thoughtful, and kind. He was highly esteemed by both his patients and his colleagues. My sincere condolences to his family.