HEAVEN, William

HEAVEN

William John Heaven passed away peacefully at his home near Whitecourt AB on April 12, 2021 surrounded by family at the age of 75. John was born in Calgary AB, the oldest child of William Heaven and Belle Hudson and was predeceased by his parents and stepfather Thomas Moston, brother Hugh, sisters-in-law Karen (Hugh) and Beverly (David) and son-in-law Shaun Waterfield. John is survived by Leota, his wife of 52 years, son Bill (Amy) of Chestermere AB and daughter Corinne (David) Szmata of Grimshaw AB, and grandchildren Samuel, Maximillian, Noah, Elizabeth, and Lorelei.

John was raised in Shepard AB and met Leota while working at the McIntyre ranch near Magrath AB. Soon afterwards they moved to Calgary where John attended SAIT in the heavy-duty mechanics program. A son, Bill, was born and soon after and the family moved to Whitecourt AB where John worked for Amoco. In 1975, daughter Corinne was born and John started working for Peace-Pipe Line Ltd. He continued there for 35 years, retiring with Pembina Pipelines in 2010. John was very active in his community, serving as a member of the ID 15 council, local Rural Crime Watch association, 4-H Beef club, the Mayerthorpe Agriculture Society, and hosting the Woodlands County rental equipment.

John loved racing chariots and chuckwagons until 1980 when he redirected his time to expanding his mixed grain and registered horned Hereford cattle farm. He frequently showed cattle at local fairs and the Northlands Farm Fair days. John was happiest when he was farming or when talking to anyone about farming or his children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews.

A family viewing was held at Legacy Funeral home in Cardston AB April 16, 2021 and a graveside service followed at the Magrath Cemetery.