Donald Edward Heller Jr.

Don was born on July 24, 1950 to Don and Rose Heller in Evanston Illinois where he lived for 2 years. The family then relocated to Menlo Park, CA where Don spent for most of his life. Two years ago, Don retired in Colfax, CA.

After graduating from Menlo-Atherton High School in 1968, he went on to graduate from University of California Berkeley where he solidified lifelong friendships that lasted until he passed away.

Don’s love for the outdoors fueled every adventure across the state line that he took his two children, Jessica (Mason) and Jeremy every summer in addition to the annual Yosemite camping trip with family and old friends. None of these trips were complete without bike rides, scenic hikes, and music blasting from the Old Van, hamburgers on the Hibachi, endless games of cribbage, double-stuffed Oreos and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on white bread. Oh, and Tab cola; he always had lots of Tab on hand.

Don was also an avid 49er fan and a season ticket holder with his best friend from the mid 1970’s. If he wasn’t at a game, he was cheering from his couch loud enough for the neighbors to hear, “Go Ronnie!!!” His brain was an archive of plays, coaches, players and games won and lost.

Don’t knowledge of movies was equally extensive as anyone who knew him can tell you. He could tell you who was in it, who directed it and what year it came out.

Don is survived by his children, Jessica Mason and Jeremy Heller and his sister, Diana Heller Rogers. His kids accredit their love for nature and adventure to their dad. He is the reason they can say they’ve experienced hot air ballooning, white water rafting, horseback riding and have seen the countryside through the window of a car and by the light of a campfire.

Don’s family vow to honor him by continuing to adventure, being brave and touch and by turning up the tunes really loud on road trips. They will miss him forever.