July 6, 2020
Edwin 'Bud' Hebel Jr.
Edwin 'Bud' Hebel Jr.
One of the people directly involved in the formation of Landscape Ontario has passed away.

Bud Hebel Jr. of York Nursery in Kitchener, Ont., passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020, in his 85th year.

Hebel served as president of the Ontario Nursery Trades Association in 1969, and served on its board from 1967 to 1972. On Jan. 11, 1973, Hebel Jr. was involved in the final meeting of the Unity Committee to present the unity package that would create Landscape Ontario. Later that month, it was accepted and the association became reality. He received the association’s Frank Ewald Jr. Award in 1969.

Loving husband of Janet (nee Shantz) Hebel for 62 years. Dear father of Chris, Gary (Debbie) and Steve (Susan). Beloved grandfather to Nicole (Frank), Jesse (Helen), Josh, Rachel and Ethan. Precious great-grandfather to Leyla, Elisha, Enzo and Jacob. Brother to Wally (Doris), both predeceased, and to Dave (Carol). Predeceased by his parents Edwin J. Hebel Sr. and Frieda Hebel.

As an owner of York Nursery, Bud was one of the first to bring professional landscape contracting to the Waterloo Region. Bud had a passion and unique style in his award-winning landscape designs that was appreciated by both customers and local landscape peers.

An avid hockey fan of the Kitchener Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bud was involved in the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association and played in the K-W Oldtimers Hockey League until he was 77. He rarely missed the opportunity to see his sons and grandchildren play hockey or other sports.

 Cremation has taken place, and Bud has been laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Parkinson Canada, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region or the Salvation Army would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home’s website at erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.