Patrick Scott Heckman

6/10/1970 to 7/11/2025

A Contented Life

Born in Bellflower, California to Cheridah Ann Heckman on June 10, 1970, Patrick Scott Heckman was raised in the Fountain Valley and Long Beach areas. He spoke fondly of how his aunts, uncles, and grandparents took him everywhere with them, spending time bicycling to Huntington Beach, swimming, surfing, going to the desert, and enjoying their neighbors and friends. So many stories to tell.

He was blessed when his stepfather Gary Brodie entered his life. He, his mom, and Gary all moved to the Central Coast where he grew up, still riding his bike to the shore and delivering newspapers up and down the steep hills of Shell Beach. This is when his love of the ocean and baseball thrived. He quickly learned to surf and spent countless hours in the water and on the Little League fields. His Mom, Cherri, was so proud of him.

His family moved to Atascadero, his freshman year of high school. A year after graduating from Atascadero High School, Pat met his future wife, the love of his life, Suzie Larsen of Paso Robles. Their best friends, at that time, were responsible for introducing them 36 years ago. They fell in love and were married in 1996, celebrating 29 years this last June 22nd. Their years together had strengthened bonds with close friends and the Larsen family who embraced Pat whole-heartedly as one of their own. Pat now felt like he had siblings, Russell Larsen, and Julie (Larsen) and Korey Smeltzer. Ralph and Adrienne Larsen loved him as well and the couple chose to start their family near both sets of grandparents in the city of Morro Bay.

Thomas Patrick, born in 1998, was the first of five children. They were blessed with a daughter Emily Lauren in 2002. Their home, now in Atascadero, would soon be full. Luke Samuel, born in 2004, with Holly Maureen soon to follow in 2006, rounded out their family until 2010 when Autumn Suzanne arrived to complete the picture. Pat loved being a Dad. When occasionally ribbed about having five kids, his response would be,"I’m just bringing good people into the world."

Pat and Suzie found themselves fully absorbed in parenthood, running a thriving business and enjoying their community. You could find them at ALL the local ball fields, hockey rinks, beaches, playgrounds, and schools. Pat was well-known for his commitment to Atascadero Little League, youth and adult roller hockey, and AYSO soccer. His service in the area not only included sports, but Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of Columbus, and reading aloud at our favorite church Santa Margarita de Cortona.

Pat had a long career in the field of steel detailing. He drew "on the board" for several years alongside his employer of fifteen years and friend, Eric Lichti. In 2000, Pat started his own business Rockview Drafting as a second job to save money for a home. He grew his business and reputation and decided to take the leap of faith to work solely for and by himself in 2004. Pat is admired in his trade. He’s an expert in structural steel detailing. He has drawn so many buildings and structures that there may not be a complete record of his accomplishments.

Pat worked day and night to provide for his wife and five children. It was his desire for Suzie to be a stay-at-home mom and for a solid 15 years, she did just that. She will always be grateful for those extra moments with their young children.

The legacy left behind by Patrick Scott Heckman is his children and his faith. He fought his stage 4 cancer diagnosis straight on, enduring an aggressive treatment plan for 18 months.

Gone before him is his loving and beautiful mother Cherri, Uncle Dennis and grandparents, Vic and Cheridah Heckman. He is survived by his father Gary Brodie, his uncles Mickey and Paul, his aunts Maureen and Annette, cousins, nieces, nephews, his wife Suzanne, and children Tommy, Emily, Luke, Holly and Autumn. He will be dearly missed and always remembered. He lives through his children, the memories, the jokes, and through his future grandchildren someday that may come to have his smile, laugh, and keen sense of humor, friendly demeanor, stubbornness and grit. May you rest in peace, Pat, and may we see you again in the Glory of God’s heavenly kingdom.