The family was blessed to have spent the day with him in his home celebrating Christmas with lots of love, hugs, and laughter before he passed into heaven that night.
Dave was born to John and Ethel Heilman in Yakima, Wa on April 6, 1937.
He spent his childhood on a farm in a large family where he began to learn his lifelong values of putting God and family first.
He attended White Swan and Marquette schools,
At 17 he joined the Air Force seeking "something better than changing sprinkler lines." He enjoyed his time serving as an air craft mechanic and liked to share memories of time spent in Newfoundland.
He married the love of his life Deanna Lahey on April 25, 1958. They settled in White Swan where they raised their 4 children. He most always had a mini farm the family enjoyed. He raised different animals throughout the years such as cows, horses, pigs, rabbits and geese and grew delicious vegetables. Dave worked many years for the White Swan Lumber company and later became a crop farmer. He was also a volunteer fire fighter always ready to help anyone in need.
Dave was not a man you would often find idle. He kept busy with his gardening, he enjoyed taking walks,he was a big mariners fan and he was always working on things like cars, tractors, dirt bikes, lawn mowers, fixing anything he could fix, but what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. Whether it was camping, picking huckleberries, trips to the beach, family celebrations or just hanging out, his family were his pride and joy. Each new little one brought a smile to his face.
Dave was one of the best men you could ever know. He was the type of person who would give the coat off his back to someone in need. He would welcome you into his home with loving arms and make you feel like you were part of the family. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend you could ever know. He will be greatly missed by all.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Fred Heilman, Richard Heilman and Phil Heilman and sisters, Theresa Heilman, Bernice Fischer, and Mary Wear Kwak.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Deanna, his children, Randy Heilman, Aaron (Jackie) Heilman, Bonnie (Dave) Kennedy, and Teresa Heilman, his grandchildren, Andrew (Mandy) Kennedy, Melissa Kennedy, Tasha (Josh) Kochie, Katie (Konner) Stone, Alicia Kennedy, Faith Heilman and Ben Heilman. His great-grandchildren, Addiline, Anabella, and Maverick. His sisters, Barbara Boyle, Maggie Feil, Delores Gore, and Catherine (Glen) Epperson, many nieces, nephews and special to his heart people he considered family,
At this time there will be no service.
In loving memory,
Those we love don't go away they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, missed and very dear.
