December 2, 1953 - January 31, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Dana Glenn Heide in Nova Scotia, after battling Lymphoma for the past 6 years.
Dana is survived by his wife Julie and daughters Chelsea Gosse (Zach Gosse) and Hannah Heide, and his first grandchild Margot Heide Gosse.
He is also survived by his brother Peter Heide, and sisters Donna Klingspohn (Ray) and Margaret Popejoy (Barry). Extended family includes many loving nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, Peter and Margaret Heide, his brother John Heide and nephew Marlan Heide.
Dana was born in Chilliwack, BC and after several military moves with the family to Quebec and the Yukon, they returned to Chilliwack in 1963. Dana graduated high school from Sardis Senior Secondary and went on to graduate from SFU with a BA in criminology. He won a scholarship to UBC's Master program.
Dana, Julie, and Chelsea, moved to the Northwest Territories, where Hannah was born later. He held several senior posts in the territorial government, including Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services and Associate Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
He was a key participant on national senior government planning tables, such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Dana retired from his government work in 2015. He and Julie moved to Nova Scotia, where they bought over 6 acres of land on the ocean near Shelburne. Dana and Julie built their dream retirement home, which they enjoyed for over seven years, until it was destroyed in the NS wildfires in June of 2023.
Dana was loved and will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, and professional colleagues. Cremation will take place in Nova Scotia, with a Celebration of Life service taking place in Chilliwack, BC, on a date to be announced.
Additional Photo(s):
