Daniel Orville Heard

Daniel Orville Heard, lovingly known as Danny, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends who meant everything to him. Born in Oshawa, Ontario, to Donald Heard and Thelma Coulas (nee Lees), 

Danny lived a life full of love. Danny showed immense strength and courage during his final months while at the Pasqua Hospital, William Booth Convalescence and the General Hospital (SICU and Trauma unit 6A). We would like to thank all who took such wonderful care of Danny.

Danny shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Petra, whom he met while stationed in Germany with the military. Together, they built a beautiful life and family: son Daniel (Corinne) and grandsons Daniel Ryan and Jackson; daughter Kimberly (Kelly) Muhr and grandchildren Emily, Sydney (Baptiste), Joshua and Samantha, all of whom will deeply miss him.

Danny will also be missed by his sister Jane Heard; his brother George Coulas; his niece Heather Coulas and her children Jensen and Kamryn (who affectionately called him “Gruncle” for being loving with a side of grouch); his brother Mike (Lisa) Coulas and his nephew Nathaniel Coulas. He is also lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law Jutta Bialke, her daughters Wendy and Tina and their families; Karin Neugebauer, her daughter Andrea; brothers-in-law Karl Heinz Neugebauer; Werner (Angelika) Bialke, their sons Dominik and Dennis and family.

Danny grew up in Oshawa and began his military service with basic training in Kingston, where he forged a lifelong friendship with his best friend, Dave McCrae. His military journey took him across Canada and Germany, with postings in North Bay, Trenton, and finally Regina, where the family settled in 1989. Though the plan had been to return to Germany (there was a promise of Regina only being a 2-year posting), Regina became home for the next 36 years.

After retiring from the military in 1994, Danny continued to work in the trucking industry as a service writer before becoming a commissionaire at the RCMP—a position he proudly held until his “COVID retirement” in 2021.

Family meant everything to Danny. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He cherished time at the trailer with Petra, shared countless coffees with friends, loved fishing, learning to play guitar, and had a special talent and love for woodworking.

His warmth, his great sense of humour (he was quite the funny guy), and unwavering devotion to family leave a legacy that will continue to inspire and comfort those who loved him most.

There will be no funeral, a celebration of Danny’s life will be set for a later date.

You will forever be in our hearts.