Dear Family and Friends,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Cyril Heitner, who left us peacefully on August 20th, 2025, after a brief battle with lymphoma. He was 84 years old.

Cyril was the beloved son of the late Max Heitner and Fanny Zelniker Heitner, and was predeceased by his brother, Howard Heitner. He is survived and mourned by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Norma (née Toby) Heitner, his children, Dawn, Tara, and Sule, his six cherished grandchildren, Erin Masters, Kevin Masters, Cameron Santiago, Adrian Hansen, Eliot Hansen, and Lily Rose Heitner, his sister-in-law, Elaine Heitner and her two children, Michael and Tamara.

Cyril lived a quiet life, deeply dedicated to his work and his family. As a father and family man, he was humble, selfless, and incredibly generous, relentlessly supporting his children and grandchildren. He was also a progressive philanthropist, quietly donating to many non-profit organizations year after year.

Cyril was curious and clever as a child and he pursued his education with passion. He earned a B.Sc. from Sir George Williams Uiversity in Montreal, a Masters in Chemistry from Dalhousie University in Halifax, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from McGill University in Montreal.

Professionally, Cyril was a research scientist employed at the Pulp & Paper Research Institute of Canada (now FP innovations) for 35 years. He was internationally recognized as an expert in the chemistry of paper and wood and won many awards for his work. He made foundational contributions to the understanding of specialty pulping and sustainable methods of papermaking. The importance of his achievements was recognized by his election as a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada. He lectured at McGill University’s Pulp and Paper Institute and was well known in academic circles for his many peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

After retirement, Cyril thoroughly enjoyed his family, home life, healthy living, good food, and fitness.

Donations to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Center would be appreciated. The family will be celebrating his life with an intimate gathering of close relatives and friends.