Alfred Willem Heringa

June 23, 2019
On June 23rd 2019, the family and friends of Alfred Willem Heringa had to say goodbye to the physical presence of a man they loved so immensely. Fred was best known for the love he had for his wife, children and their families. He had a passion for the outdoors, and was a kind and gentle man with an uncanny sense of humor. The life he built with Anna and their three kids was spent sharing in incredible adventures that included travel overseas, volunteer work, camping, and gardening.
Fred leaves behind his wife and best friend of 42 years, Anna Grieve; 2 daughters Kristen Magel (Andy) and Jenelle Grieve-Heringa; and 1 son Brandon Grieve-Heringa (Danielle). Poppa is terribly missed by the 5 grandchildren that he adored: Logan, Julia, Louella, Emma and Clive. He is also survived by a large extended family including his mother Antonia.
Sharing in this loss are a group of wonderful friends too numerous to mention.
Fred will be most remembered for his capacity to give selflessly without judgment. He was always up for lending a hand, tool, or well thought out opinion. Although his life feels as if it ended too soon, we have been blessed with many lives worth of memories. It was an honor to both love him and to know him.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
A.A. Milne
An Open House Memorial will take place at the Qualicum Beach Rotary House at 211 Fern Road West on Saturday August 17 from 2-4. Speeches are from 2:30-3. All are welcome, please come dressed in colorful attire.
Over the next months, we ask you to remember Fred in the way you see fit. Depression took him, but it should not represent the totality of the man he was. Mental illness affects all of us. We hope that by opening the conversation around this disease we can continue to create a future filled with advocacy and awareness.
"You are so brave and quiet; I forget you are suffering."
Ernest Hemingway
Charitable donations will go towards establishing a bursary fund for new Canadians in our community as they pursue post-secondary education and or training. Payment can be made to the Parksville/Qualicum Foundation in Fred's name, dropped off at the Qualicum Branch of Coastal Community Credit Union or mailed to 41 Hilliers Road, QB BC V9K1X4.