Allan Keith Heron
April 27, 1935 - December 27, 2025
Allan Keith Heron, Al or ’Big Bird’, was born in Qu’Appelle, SK on April 27, 1935, and left this earth on December 27, 2025. He died peacefully after his 90 years, surrounded by love and family, following a brief illness.
Al was a model citizen of whatever community in which he resided, devoting himself to fundraising, governing, building community, and more than a few gardens! He was an instigator, ‘gently coercing’ others to join his cause – be it a new sport, a new fundraising project, or an elaborate prank. His efforts bolstered whatever cause he thought could use some support; while helping to build the communities he was so proud to call home.
Al was very interested in everyone he met, and he had a great ability to make people feel like they were a part of something. (He also may have been looking for anything he could use to tease you!) Al never met a dog that didn’t bring him great joy, and he was a student, always, of his environment and the natural world around him – especially the good berry patches!
Al reluctantly leaves his devoted wife of 64 years, Claire, as well as his three daughters and their families: Lisa (Philipp Krams), (Regina), Michael Righetti, (Victoria, BC), Anna (Shaun) and great granddaughter Cece MacNeill, (Nanaimo, BC); Paula (Rob) Kirk, Ella (Liferne) Forestal, Eddye Kirk, (Regina); Rae (Jeff) Bath, (Kenora, ON), Lauren Bath (Kieran Derksen), and baby-to-be, and Jordan Bath, (Winnipeg, MB).
He is survived by his sister Wanda (Richard) Palmer, brother-in-law Joe (Mariellen) Martin, sister-in-law Judi Whitehouse, brother-in-law Gerry Martin (Jane Sproul), sister-in-law Susan Martin, brother-in-law Michael Martin, brother-in-law Dennis (Lois) Martin, and many nieces and nephews and their families who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law Bill (Darlene) and Don (Judy) Heron, brother-in-law Ron Whitehouse, brother-in-law Tom Martin, sister-in-law Grace Martin and nephew Misha Pavelick.
The family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the staff at Rosetown and District Health Centre and Dr. Pahwa for their kind attention and genuine concern.
We celebrated his life he lived so fully and so well at 2pm on Friday January 2nd, 2026, at Scared Heart Catholic Church, Eston, SK.
To honour Al's passion for community, youth and bringing people together, in lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Eston Kids Can Play, Box 757, Eston, SK, S0L 1A0, or etransfer to contact@eston.ca