Here, there … everywhere

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/02/2025 (305 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Hedie Epp applied to work as an investigator with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner she was, perhaps, uniquely suited for the role. She had a background in nursing plus the counselling skills and experience with death that were prerequisites for the job.

One of Epp’s closest cousins died in a car crash when they were teenagers. A dozen years later, her best friend was murdered. Decades after that, she lost three very good friends in rapid succession: one was murdered, another died by suicide and the third was accidentally shot and killed.

“I thought the medical examiner’s job would make some sense, and make some use out of what I’d experienced,” says Epp, who worked in that role for 15 years before retiring in 2010.

While the work was deeply meaningful, it was intense and came with many responsibilities. One way she took care of herself was by volunteering at places that made her happy — specifically, arts organizations related to music.

She was already a volunteer with the Winnipeg Folk Festival and Manitoba Opera by then. She served with the former for about 30 years and has been involved with the latter for four decades.

She’s volunteered with the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. She continues to volunteer with the last two, greeting patrons, taking tickets and handing out programs.

Epp is a lifelong musician who was first exposed to opera when she was hitchhiking through Europe after finishing her nurse’s training. During a stop in Vienna, she saw a performance of Beethoven’s ode to freedom, Fidelio.

“Within minutes, it was like a big hook hooked me and pulled me onstage,” she recalls. “It’s been one of my favourite forms of music ever since.”

When she retired, Epp took on even more volunteer roles. She joined the advisory board of Compassionate Friends Winnipeg, a support group for people whose children have died, and started serving as a member of the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network.

She also began giving her time to Right to Learn Afghanistan, a national charity that exists to make the right to education a reality for Afghan women and girls.

She continues to share her expertise on grief by giving a presentation to every Winnipeg Police Service recruit class, something she’s done for at least 30 years, so that members are better equipped to deliver death notifications.

Since retiring, Epp’s also volunteered with CancerCare Manitoba, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Winnipeg Singers.

“I have all this work with sadness and grief and death and music on the other side of it to keep the music in my life,” she says.

Epp is an amazing volunteer, says Heidi Ouellette of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.

“She’s just one of those people who makes herself available, contributes to the community and has a good time doing it,” says Ouellette, director of development. “She sets such a great example for our team.

“I’m 100 per cent certain she brings that same energy and professionalism to all her engagements.”

In her free time, Epp enjoys travelling. She also sings alto in Soli Deo Gloria, an oratorio choir.

She encourages people to volunteer.

“There are so many places that you can get involved to offer what your skills are and the payment you get is from the people you meet and the people you help,” she says. “It’s a very fulfilling way to spend time.”

If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.