HEAKES; Jay William
July 11, 1962 - January 12, 2016
It is with a heavy heart that we convey the passing of Jay William Heakes on January 12, 2016. Jay was born July 11, 1962 in Burnaby, BC and died suddenly at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, BC. Jay is mourned by his three brothers Todd, Greg and Harold; sister Tobi; his niece Kelly; nephews Sean, Andrew and Logan; his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He attended White Rock Elementary, beginning in 1968 before moving on to Earl Marriott Secondary in 1975. After high school he enrolled at Malaspina College where he studied forestry, including the chokerman’s logging course. He worked in the service industry as a waiter and prep cook in Vancouver, Yoho National Park and White Rock. When his disability restricted his working life Jay joined a program that included reading to the blind at Bel Air Rest Home on North Bluff Rd. He loved writing, devoting much of his adult life to it. He wrote hundreds of poems, short stories and two books, chronicling his 35-year struggle with schizophrenia and the life of his friend Sandy. Jay ran the marathon of life with grace and dignity, giving more than he received and despite his own troubles he still found the time to help others who were less fortunate. All are welcome to celebrate Jay’s life at a memorial service Saturday, February 13th at 10:30 a.m. at Surrey Funeral Home,
13288 108th Ave. Surrey, BC, V3T 2J6. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the BC Schizophrenia Society #1100 1200 W73rd Ave. Vancouver, B.C. V6P 6G5. If you are unable to donate please perform a random act of kindness in Jay’s honour.