JAMIE HEAPHY

September 22, 1973 – July 26, 2023

On July 26, 2023, we lost our Champion, Jamie Heaphy at the young age of 49 years in Winnipeg, MB.

 

Jamie will forever be missed by the love of his life, his wife, Pamela; his daughters, Camdyn and Ruby; step-sons Thomas and Jonathan; sisters Erin (Mike) Kent and Leslie (Ryan) Mohan; Mother-in-Law, Judy; Brother-in-Law, Wayne (Martine), his nephews; Bennett and Ashton Kent, and Andon and Brody McDonagh; the Fortier cousins, Karen, Heather and Jamie's childhood partner-in-crime Dave; many Aunts, Uncles and many, many friends, including his cherished best friend Dan Schroeder. Jamie was predeceased by his parents, Jan and Mike; Granny, Agnes; cousin, Andrea.

 

Jamie was born James Charles Heaphy to Mike and Jan Heaphy in Copper Cliff, ON. He would eagerly share tales of his life growing up as a "Cliff Boy", with his buddies, finding and creating trouble, wooing the ladies with their charismatic charm, spending countless hours just hanging out and being kids. He cherished his time watching wrestling and the Maple Leafs with Granny, listening to her accounts of the reality of each wrestling move in her strong Scottish accent. He shared countless memories of hockey games, championships, unsuccessful team tryouts, and every bit of happiness the hockey world brought him. He could be found on the ice or in a rink at any given time, with his Granny and Mom cheering him on in the stands, their bums warmed by the cushions Jamie bought them. A courtesy he extended to his Mother-in-Law, Judy as she watched Johnny play in the stands, Jamie and Pam at her side.

 

Jamie graduated from Lockerby Composite School, and attended Canadore College and University of Manitoba. He moved to Winnipeg in 2000 to pursue a career with Bearskin Airlines, later exploring other career paths in Winnipeg before joining Manitoba Hydro in 2008. Jamie had immense pride for being part of Manitoba Hydro and would talk your ear off about the methods used to harness energy. He was fascinated by the engineering of the dams, not surprising given his interest in architectural engineering. He continued to expand his education and became a CIS Trainer. He had a passion for teaching and finding ways to help his students succeed.

 

In Winnipeg, Jamie welcomed Camdyn (2005) and Ruby (2009) into his family. Dad, was a title he wore proudly. From fist bumps and secret handshakes at bedtime, to watching and coaching the girls in their sports, he was their biggest fan. Jamie encouraged his girls to explore and find their own path in life, and not be influenced by the dreams of others. He would step out of his comfort zone to share interests with the girls out of love and support of their own individuality. They will forever be his "CamRoo".

 

In 2019, Jamie met the love of his life, Pam. Over Jolly Rancher slushies at Tim Horton's on their first date, they learned of their shared Ontario roots, love to travel, specifically road trips, and passion for family and life. As Jamie told her later that evening, “2 hours wasn't long enough, I could have talked forever with you", little did they know then, that they had found their soul mates in each other and would have their forever together. Their romance quickly grew. After the first date, their busy summer lives kept them physically apart, but emotionally, they grew closer. In 2020, they moved in together and in 2021 were married. A whirlwind of love, passion, respect and soul reaching happiness.

 

Jamie once again welcomed children in his life as the role of step-dad to Thomas and Jonathan. He loved the teasing nature of having boys, quickly giving them nicknames, challenging them with his strength versus their height. He embraced the friends of all 4 kids with utmost respect, many of which referred to him as their second dad. Jamie had many talks with all of the teens about life, friendship, school, sports and their various passions. He listened and spoke from the heart.

 

Jamie held onto his passion for hockey from a very young age. He played in the unofficial Hydro Monday hockey league and later worked his way into the role of General Manager of the MMJHL Fort Garry Twins and finally the coaching staff to the Stonewall Jets. He embraced each player as he did his own children and their friends. He listened and respected each for who they were as individuals as well as part of the team. He challenged them to push themselves out of their areas of comfort and take chances, whether it be on the ice, in careers, school or a different role in the hockey world. Hockey was never solely about on ice success, it was about helping players be the best they could, it was about the culture and family of hockey. Hockey was Jamie’s lifelong passion.

 

When Jamie wasn't at the rink, you could find him enjoying family time or having a bonfire with Pam in their backyard oasis with friends and family. He loved to go on day trips with Pam to explore small towns and communities and of course, check out their rinks. One of the more recent trips, Jamie and Pam, along with the boys visited Brandon,MB to watch Connor Bedard play, leaving after school and returning later that night to be home for Thomas' playoff game the next morning. More time was spent on the road than in the game,but it didn't matter, it was hockey. Exploring mini-golf courses always made him smile. His trips to Geppetto's with Camdyn and Ruby were very special to him. His favourite summer retreat was the cabin or "camp" as his Ontario blood referred to it, at Nutimik Lake. Sipping coffee with Judy on the deck, spending time puttering around the yard with Wayne, playing games with the boys, family days on the beach, movie nights on the deck or nestled next to Pam around the bonfire, looking up at the stars, Jamie's soul was fulfilled. Participating in the annual lawn dart tournament was a time he always looked forward to, eager to have his name on the trophy. His most recent cabin pride was riding his Deere. He mapped out the yard to prepare for each lawn mowing, beer safely in the holder, and smiling wide. An honour, he has handed down to Wayne and later the boys.

 

Our lives have all been touched by the selfless love and compassion of our Jamie over the years. He leaves a void that will never be filled by another, because there is no greater than our Jamie. He leaves us with lasting memories of a great man, the greatest.

 

A private celebration of life will be held at Deer Meadow Farms; 21 155 Springfield Rd, Winnipeg, MB on August 26, 2023, followed by a public celebration from 7pm to 9pm. Come stop by and raise a glass to a truly remarkable man.