ATV run raises $8,800 for Van Heyst family.

Jeff Green | Apr 27, 2022

Over 200 ATV riders met at Verona Hardware on Saturday morning, (April 23) to head out for a run to Sharbot Lake, in honour of Daniel Van Heyst, the 22 year-old Verona resident who died in March in a workplace accident.

Devon Clarke and Sara Fitzgerald, who were “good buddies of Dan” came up with the idea for the ride and they organised the event.

“Dan loved to ride, and I figured people would respond if I put out a call, and they certainly did,” Devon CLarke said. “We took some donations and organised a couple of raffles. People wanted to show their support to Dan and his family. That's what it was all about.”

Although the ride was a success, it was cut short because OPP officers set up a checkpoint south of Sharbot Lake at Tryon Road. They did safety checks and looked to see if licensing and registration of riders, and vehicles, was up to date. This caused a backlog of riders, and many ended up turning back instead of gathering in Sharbot Lake to end the ride as it had begun, with an informal gathering.

Daniel Van Heyst's funeral, which has been delayed in order for police and labour department inquiries, is set for this Saturday.

In the obituary posted by his family last week, Daniel is described as a community minded young man, a dedicated arborist, and a man of Christian faith.

“Dan made darker days brighter with his positive attitude and love for the tree care industry. Dan may be gone but his legacy and kind memory will live on forever,” is how his co-workers are remembering him.

“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,” his obituary says of his faith.

There will be public visitation at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston, on Thursday April 28, 2022 and Friday April 29, 2022 from 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm. Chapel service will be on Saturday April 30, at 11am. Those wishing to attend virtually may join the service by livestream. Daniel will be laid to rest at Piccadilly Cemetery at approximately12:30pm. There will be a public reception at the Lions Hall, 4504 Verona Sand Road, following the burial, at 2pm.