Obituary of Daniel Mulungula van Heyst
van Heyst; Daniel Mulungula - With shattered hearts, Daniel's family is sharing the news of his unexpected and tragic passing due to a sudden accident while doing the work that he loved in Oshawa on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the age of 22. Daniel was the oldest son to Andrew van Heyst and Jeanine Walassa and the adored big brother to Andrew, Joshua and Ruth. He is the loving partner to Mackenzie Rose.
He loved his two Grandmothers (GraMas): Jean van Heyst and Melanie Walassa; his uncles: Peter, Jan, Gislain (Gisco), Deddy, Guillaume, David and David Tshika; His aunties: Anna, Marie, Elza, Thecla (Thethe), Alice, Mariette, Jackie, Rachel, Feza, Sakina; His cousins: Bernisse, Tom, Chris, Miria, Anne Rose, Marc Jan, Maura, Keziah, Djodjo, Gibo, Melanie, Saloman, Ketia, Jeanine, MaGloire, Benedicte, Marie Ange, Zawadi and Ricky.
Daniel's life was a witness of love, friendship and kindness. As a very busy young man, he still took the time to read his Bible and talk to his Lord throughout the day. When Daniel spoke about the Lord, he would say "my Buddy and I..." He spoke to Him like He was right there with Him!
Daniel studied Urban Forestry and Arboriculture at Fleming College. Daniel was an arborist to his core. It was the work that called to him, being outside in nature, working closely with other people that understood just how much he adored the work he did and understood the challenges of the job. His colleagues at Eco Tree Care are devastated about losing one of their own close work family. These well-trained arborists spent hours together travelling and working, building strong relationships with each other. They have truly lost a brother as well.
We lost a friend, co-worker and brother. Daniel was a hardworking, life loving, selfless man that we were blessed to have in our lives. Dan arrived at work before anyone else and was always last to leave, ensuring that we all were prepared and ready for the next day. His love for family at home and Eco will go unmatched. Dan made darker days brighter with his positive attitude and love for the tree care industry. Dan, we will do our best to look after things down here, maybe not to your standards, but we will continue to move forward. Rest easy "Dan the Man" until we climb again, love your brothers from Eco Tree Care.
There will be public visitation at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd on Thursday April 28, 2022 and Friday April 29, 2022 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Chapel service will be on Saturday April 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. Those wishing to attend virtually may join the service by livestream by CLICKING HERE. Following the service, Daniel will be laid to rest at Piccadilly Cemetery so he can always be close to his family. The burial will take place at approximately 12:30pm. There will be a reception at the Lion's Hall, 4504 Verona Sand Road in Verona following the burial at 2:00 pm and all are welcome.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to In Trust for Daniel's family through Bank of Montreal in Verona by sending an e-transfer to vanheystmemorialtrust@hotmail.com or to Cataraqui Region Conservation Foundation.
