Bud Healey
December 1st, 1934 – July 6th, 2019
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“I would say that every firefighter who worked in the Etobicoke fire department before 1990 knows who [Bud] Healey is. In fact, here in Etobicoke, I’m still HIS son, as opposed to him being known as ‘Jeff Healey’s dad’. And I’m very proud of that.” Jeff Healey
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Hello everyone.
Today we have some very sad news to share. This past weekend, after a relatively brief illness, Jeff’s dad, Percy “Bud” Healey, passed away.
Bud was a wonderful man, as straight a shooter as you’ve ever met. He was kind, compassionate and understanding, the real deal, genuine and never any pretence.
He and his late wife Yvonne adopted and raised 3 children, Jeff, Laura and Linda. Working hard for 30 years as a firefighter, Bud ensured his family always had whatever they needed.
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“Jeff and the girls grew up like they were our own children… People now seem so hung up on having a biological child, when there are so many children out there who need a home. And you can do that so easily – give a child a home and be a parent” Bud Healey (from ‘Labours of Love: Canadians Talk About Adoption’, By Deborah A. Brennan)
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The Healey’s unconditional love shaped the man we came to know and admire as Jeff Healey. They instilled in him a deep set of core values that Jeff used to guide himself throughout his life. Incredibly proud of his son, Bud was heartbroken when Jeff passed far too young.
He taught his son to live without limitations, and that his lack of sight was a logistical problem, not an insurmountable obstacle. Jeff was raised with the firm knowledge that there was *nothing* he couldn’t do if he wanted it badly enough and worked hard enough to get it…
Bud is survived by his loving wife Rose, his daughters Laura and Linda, his sister Marjory and twin brother Bob, his five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
We miss you Bud.
Cristie & Rog
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I wish more people could understand that what is important is having a child, not just a piece of your immortality. The Healey’s made a great statement in adopting 3 children. More people could learn from their great achievements. What fabulous insight he instilled into his son that there was nothing he couldn’t do. The Healey children were truly blessed to have such loving parents.
I totally agree. It is extremely sad that not every state in the USA agrees with us. My two daughters were born mine. But God only blessed one daughter with my one grandchild. She and her husband have no police record, Christian values, however no hate, acceptance as she was taught God loves everyone and they make midclass salaries. My daughter studied psychology for two years after winning her senior year Psychology award. She dropped out of college to accepted an awesome office job with a local contractor. She actually makes 40percent more than I made at retirement. Her husband also makes decent money as a foreman at a local trucking company loading dock. Sadly they applied when it became apparent that when their baby was 6years old….they possibly could not give her a sibling of biology. They applied and was given an interview. During the forms and interview process, they made it quite plain that age was not a priority. They would love a baby, but any child was acceptable, even if it was of other race, creed, boy, girl, even a special needs child. Upon filling out the form. They answered all questions honestly. Her husband has a half brother that has been arrested in HIS PAST for nonchild support payments. They were told unless they signed forms stating that his half brother would NEVER visit their home and agreed that if they were allowed to adopted that the adopted child was never to be allowed to spend a sleepover at a friends house unless that friend’s parent was called in for a welfare visit and background check. Wow..my daughter is 38 now and my 12yr. Old only grandchild, a girl is being brought up alone. They also would have to sign an agreement that the welfare dept. Could stop by at any time to do a welfare check on the adopted child or infant and the agent had the power to remove not only their adopted child but also their biological child in the event any part of the adoption agreement was broken. Of course, they left broken-hearted. How could he tell his half brother that because his brother made a mistake during his late teens and did not support his child for a period of time that he could no longer be welcome at their home? You can’t. Youth sometimes make mistakes. But it wasn’t my son in law or daughter. They have perfect police records. Except my daughter had a speeding ticket. They then, however, was offered to foster a child with that contract. Foster- meaning the federal government supplements that state to pay them to keep a child temporarily. They said no. They could not stand to give up a child after fostering years and loving him or her like their very own. Sadly the government would rather pay you to babysit and let the child lose a great set of parents. My oldest daughter, unfortunately, has been married twice and never conceived and she has a disability much like the children do sometimes and so she too was denied. Sad. Luckily the Healeys were adopted at a time in history where children were considered to be better off with good parents than being fostered.
Wow, I thought this was a forum to talk about Bud Healey and his life, not other people’s problems.
I just learned about Mr. Healey’s passing. Sincere condolences to Rose and all the Healey family. May God surround you with healing comfort and strength in the months ahead. I didn’t know Bud but knew the story of Jeff and Bud’s devotion to him. What a wonderful man and family. Rest In Peace sir and enjoy your son in a new light!
I loved Jeff. Loved his voice, and his talent. His Dad sure did a fine job. R.I.P., Bud.
Sad to hear, sounds like one heck of family man !! RIP joining Jeff
So sad. Jeff is there to greet you, Bud, with arms wide open. Condolences to all the Healey family and friends
Rest in Paradise kind sir
Positive vibes and prayers to the Healey’s. Mike in Tulsa
I adored Bud in the years that I was close to Jeff – attended the funeral for Jeff’s mom and was happy that Bud found somebody to share his life again after Yvonne passed away – this news has me in tears! Please advise what the family’s wishes are in terms of donations thanks.
Hey Darlene. In lieu of flowers and for those wishing, memorial donations to the CNIB Foundation would be appreciated by the family. ~Rog
Sending strength to the whole family… Much love from the Netherlands, Paul
Truly role models for all parents. Sending condolences to all his family and friends…He is resting with the Angels…I’m certain Jeff was waiting for his dad…to welcome him.
Hé was a great guy, met he and Yvonne years ago on a road trip with Jeff. Met him frequently over the years. Great Dad. Hope he and Jeff have a wicked card game when they meet again. Xoxo
Strenght to the Healey Family & Friends. May this earth shine as we continue to have walked the same roads as some very good people did among us, Rip Bud.
On behalf of the Cook Family we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Rose and the Healey Family.
We are Bud and Rose’s neighbours in Cowan’s Bay. We already miss them as our neighbours when they moved to Lindsay. Now we will speak of our fondness for Bud and remember his warm smile and how he (and Rose) stopped to always chat with us and get caught up.
Hi I’ve been a fan of Jeff’s since I heard ‘Angel Eyes’ and have always admired the Healeys. Was so gutted to hear of the passing of Jeff let alone Bud. Yes I know its 2020 now, but that’s how out of touch I’ve been lately. At least father, mother and son are together now. Rest In Love beautiful ones…