Obituary of Garry Russell Heal

February 4, 1933 – Edmonton, Alberta

August 20, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Garry Russell Heal, also known as "The Foot" at work and "Niffy" by his close family, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 91 years.

He was one of the first operators of the trolleybuses in downtown Calgary. He also drove for Calgary Transit before transitioning to Greyhound. He met the love of his life, Kathleen, as she skipped across the road to ride his bus and sit in the front seat.

He worked for Greyhound Lines of Canada for 33 years, achieving an impressive 2.9 million miles driven. After his retirement, he continued to drive bus for Your Way Tours.

Garry is survived by his son Cody John Heal, and daughters, Cindy Lou Heal and Cheryl Lynne Heal-Letain. He also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Karlee Michelle Windrum and Gregory David Windrum; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Jorden Andrew Ray Heal and Scarlet Kathleen Lucas.

He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen Jean Heal, and his granddaughter Alicia Joelle Heal. A special thank you to the staff at AgeCare Bow Crest for their wonderful care.

Garry will be most remembered for his big smile, welcoming nature, and his willingness to help anyone who needed it. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

To honour Garry's spirit, we leave you with this quote:

"Here to you, as good as you are, and here is to me, as bad as I am;

As bad as I am, as good as you are, I am good as you are as bad as I am."

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Garry’s family here.

In living memory of Garry Heal, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.