Dr. Theodore Robert Heidrick
November 23, 1946 - July 15, 2026
Dr. Theodore Robert Heidrick passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, after a life devoted to his family and to a career that, in Canada and internationally, advanced engineering research, higher education, and innovation.
He was a respected engineer, professor, and mentor, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather.
Ted was born on November 23, 1946, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Verena Esther (née Brough) and Gordon Ernest Heidrick. From an early age, he demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for science and engineering. A precocious child, he was placed in a gifted class after testing revealed he had one of the top ten IQs in the city. An accomplished young golfer, he won competitions that regularly made the local papers.
He played at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club, represented Manitoba on the junior team across the country, and earned his athletic letter from the University of Manitoba. He earned his mechanical engineering degree with distinction and received the gold medal for academic excellence. In 1974, he completed his PhD in Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
Ted began his professional career at Atomic Energy of Canada in Pinawa, Manitoba, working in the fields of engineering, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and energy research. His career later brought him to Sherwood Park, Alberta, where he worked with the Alberta Research Council and contributed to important advances in engineering research and applied science.
A gifted educator and respected scholar, Ted also taught at the University of British Columbia before continuing his distinguished academic career at the University of Alberta.
Throughout his years in research and academia, he inspired countless students with his intelligence, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. Colleagues admired his thoughtful approach to research and problem-solving, while students appreciated his generosity as a mentor and teacher.
Ted always gave his time freely for the benefit of others. He devoted years of volunteer work to the TEC Venture Prize Program. He was awarded the Centennial Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of his service solving the problems of mankind.
Designing a golf course for Lundar, Manitoba, was one of Ted's favourite projects. The Urbanic–Heidrick correlation, which Ted co-developed, is still used worldwide today as a standard in nuclear reactor safety design.
Above all, Ted cherished his family. He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Dr. Sandra Julia Heidrick; his son Theodore Johann Heidrick (Saskia); his daughter Dr. Elizabeth Sandra Thompson (Rocky); and his son Kristjan Robert Heidrick (Alicia).
He was the proud and adored grandfather of Alexander Heidrick; Julia Houwen; Tyr, Tyme, Taze, and True Thompson; and Lilja and Kjartan Heidrick. He also delighted in becoming a great-grandfather to Harper and Hazel, daughters of Tyr.
Ted and Sandra shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world together throughout their marriage and retirement. He took equal joy in hosting family at home around the pool and in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Ted will be remembered for his brilliant mind, quiet strength, dedication to education and innovation, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives through the many students he taught, the research he advanced, and the family he loved so dearly.
His celebration of life will be every day as we think of him. The last gift of love is memory.
Donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or to a charity of your choice.
Care Entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc.
pineboxfunerals.ca