The Community Loses an Icon As Eldin Healey Passes Away
By Ralph Tweedie, Manotick Kiwanis Club
Manotick has lost an icon. Eldin Healey passed peacefully at home on August 26th at 90 years of age. He led a life of dedication to his family, his community and to his country.
Ed’s sense of duty was evident at an early age. After the tragic loss of his brother, followed soon by his father, he became the sole supporter of his mother and sister. He laboured in the tobacco fields of Tilsonburg while finishing high school.
His friends describe him as unassuming, and in particular, very low key about his career. Ed spent 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Forces. Starting as a cadet, he retired as Chief of Engineering and Maintenance in the rank of Rear-Admiral.
His colleagues characterize him as having the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman and as achieving very effective results from his leadership style. He was most proud of his work as project manager on the Canadian Patrol Frigates program. The patrol frigates he championed are still in service to this day and are a backbone of our country’s defense.
His dedication to the Navy didn’t restrain him from being a pillar in his community. Ed was involved with numerous institutes and charities. For twenty years he served on the board of the Bytown Brigantine Charity. They provide leadership training programs. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide youth with the opportunity to reach new heights through adventure and character-building experiences while sailing tall ships. During his time thousands of youth benefitted from the inspiration of his example and his leadership of the organization.
Ed went on to be an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of National Defense. He was active in NATO’s International Armaments cooperation field as Canada’s National Armaments Director. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Defense Construction Canada Limited.
Ed managed approval of over twenty Major Crown Projects and approximately 12,000 staff in North America and Europe. In 1983 he was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in the grade of Commander.
Ed was a humble man. He rarely talked about his professional life. He did love to tell stories and had a great sense of humour. For the 1st annual variety show at Miller Seniors Apartments, he gave a “witty” account of his oversea travels. He was scheduled to be the Master of Ceremonies for the next variety show. He also organized their Men’s Group.
He had been a Manotick Kiwanian 50 years ago, and when he returned to live in Manotick, he rejoined the club. In fact, he is a Kiwanis Club of Ottawa Past President. We were regaled at one dinner meeting last March with a humorous presentation of his adventures in what he called the “gap year”. He was a well-respected member of our club, and he will be missed.
He was unfailingly kind and respectful. He was also exceedingly patient.
Perhaps his daughter Anne sums it up best “My father went on to have an illustrious career, but he was always consistently kind, formidable, generous, respectful and patient. He was also my hero.”
Featured Image: Eldin Hadley will be remembered for being kind, respectful and patient.
