The Eulogy

The scriptures that were read, the strong traditional hymns chosen, speak to me of Fred Heath. There is no real surprise there. They are classic expressions of faith and practice, trust and hope that were fundamental to Fred's faith and life.

That sounds like Fred to me: the scientist, engineer, steward, Kiwanian, husband, father and loyal friend.

What does surprise me is to find myself researching poetry for this time. I confess, I don't put Fred and poetry together easily. He seemed far too practical a man for that. But Wednesday, Rick (can I call you "Rick" just for today for clarity's sake?) - Frederick mentioned a line of Robert Browning's:

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for?

It comes from Browning's Andrea del Sarto and speaks of the musings of the artist.

and he goes on to say:

I, painting from myself and to myself, Know what I do, am unmoved by men's blame Or their praise either ... Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?

Surprise! That sounds like Fred too! He may not have been "unmoved" but certainly he was not easily swayed. My predecessor in the pulpit, Dr. Bob Mumford, who stood about a foot beneath Fred's chin, referred to him with a gentle mix of awe and humour as "L’eminence grise" - the grey presence! For a big man, Fred moved "with cat-like tread" as Gilbert and Sullivan might say. Suddenly he was by your side or at your door and one was ready to confess.

After his life partner, Jessie, died just over five years ago, we watched with concern to see if Fred would maintain his almost daily contact with St. George's. He may have been absent from his back pew one Sunday but after that he was back and with your constant support Rick, he carried on with quiet determination, the ministry to this place which was quite unique.

Although his career in Electrical Engineering centered here in Toronto, Fred never forgot his western roots. He and Jessie were local representatives of the alumnae of their beloved Alma Mater, the University of Alberta. Their own bond goes back well beyond university days. Their respective parents were friends so Jessie and Fred were acquainted from childhood. The story is told that they slept in the same cradle (but Jessie was quick to say ‘not at the same time’ and Fred would smile).

To be honest, I don't remember ever hearing Fred laugh aloud. He smiled often. He chuckled when reminiscing with old friends at the annual Ontario Prayer Breakfast which he attended faithfully and to which I was invited as his guest for eight years. He never left until he had searched out and found important friends he wanted to greet.

Fred was still in high school when he acquired his Amateur Radio Licence. He went on to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta and did postgraduate work at the famous M.I.T., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, just as the second World War clouds were forming over Europe. Fred was soon employed by the National Research Council, seconded to the Canadian Army to work on the development of "on board" radar systems. He never had to wear a uniform for which he was grateful because it meant he didn't have to salute anyone! After the war, Fred was with Canadian General Electric for almost twenty-five years, then traveled the province for Ontario Hydro for twelve years. Most recently he was the Canadian Director of IEEE - the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Beyond his work, which he enjoyed so much he felt guilty taking a paycheck (according to Rick), Fred was a loyal and active member of North Toronto Kiwanis and sold more than his share of grapefruit! He also volunteered at the C.N.I.B. offering technical expertise and teaching ham Radio courses. He made the adjustment to the computer age with ease and keen interest.

Fred's last few months have not been easy. But. though the "outer man" diminished, the "inner man", the man Rick knew as strong, silent, serious, single minded and sincere was always present. Before the nurse came in the other day, he wanted to sit up on the side of his bed. When she did arrive, she and Rick supported him in this effort and moments later he died in Rick’s arms - in Frederick’s arms - and was born again in God’s.

The motto of University of Alberta (in Latin of course) is, "whatsoever things are true". Fred was faithful to that as he was to family, to friends and this community of faith. We will miss his "eminence".