Michael Patrick Heywood

Michael was born on February 24th, 1941 in Plymouth, England.  Adopted at 6 months to Francis Melville and Dorothea Kathleen Heywood, he spent his childhood at Marlborough College where his father Francis was headmaster between 1939-52.  Michael struggled in his early years with learning disabilities, something not uncommon for children who had extremely high IQ (Michael’s score was 153 above the 99.9 percentile). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Geography) at Cambridge University and immigrated to Canada in August 1962. After a short stint as a Manager Trainee, he began his lifelong career as a Special Education teacher at various school districts in BC (Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Burnaby) until he retired from teaching in 1981. For 12 years, he managed the Melville Cottage Gardens in Sechelt with his partner Myron until he died in 1995. He then ran an egg farm at his home on Tyson Road until 2014.  He was a long-time volunteer at the Sechelt Library - Davis Bay branch and enjoyed tutoring children with reading difficulties.  A hiker, lover of animals and avid gardener,  Michael was known for his gentleness and kindness among his friends.  

Michael was predeceased by his sister Susan, brother Simon, partner Myron, and his beloved dog Mr. Quark. He is survived by his partner Tony, sister Janion (Jane), nieces Katherine and Rebecca, and nephews Nicholas, Marc, Ben and Sebastien. Also several cousins in England and one in Canada. 

Michael left quite unexpectedly on October 19 after suffering from a stroke a day earlier.  He will be dearly missed by his friends on the Sunshine Coast and families here and abroad. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Devlin Funeral Home (579 Seaview Road, Gibsons, BC) at 1 pm on Friday, October 30, 2020.  Viewing is available between noon and 12:55 pm.  For in-person attendance, please kindly RSVP to rev.clarence.li@gmail.com.  The funeral home has a Safety Plan to ensure social distancing indoor.  Non-medical mask-wearing recommended.  

You may also join us on Zoom following this secured link if you prefer to participate virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87940848784?pwd=TWxvb2lPWFVRUG5vU3lFUGdaYnVkdz09
Meeting ID: 879 4084 8784
Passcode: 579726

In lieu of flowers, Michael had indicated that he had a fond spot for Arrowhead Club House Society.  Consider making a donation in his memory to Arrowhead either via this link or:
Send a cheque payable to "Arrowhead Clubhouse Society" at Box 676, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Patrick Heywood, please visit our floral store.