Kenneth Edwin Coach"" Heizer

Kenneth was born on February 8, 1924 to Kenneth F. and Hazel (LaMont) Heizer on the family ranch near Las Animas, Colorado. He moved from the Eastern plains to grow up in the shadow of Pikes Peak. He graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1942 where he excelled in sports, earning Colorado All-State recognition as a back in 1941.

After a semester at D.U., he enlisted in the armed forces serving as the first physical trainer in the Air Force. He was loaned to the Army and served in Germany during World War II. Ken played football for the Daniel Field Flyers, bringing entertainment to the troops serving in Europe. He was an accomplished boxer with 55 fights including a heavyweight championship in the 3rd Army.

Ken received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Western State College in Gunnison. While playing football there, he gathered three all conference center awards and was named Outstanding Conference Player in 1948.

Ken’s coaching career was twenty-two years long and included Colorado high school preps and college level coaching and was followed by a career as an NFL scout, which began with the Denver Broncos. His coaching career saw his teams win Colorado State prep championships, conference championships at Otero Junior College, followed by Iowa Conference championship at Simpson College.

Ken married Frances Mason on August 15, 1947 in Durango, Colorado. He enjoyed fishing for Colorado trout and traveling to many places in the western United States as part of his professional responsibilities. Ken was a 55 year member of the Gunnison Elks Lodge. He has lived in Longmont since 2004 and was a popular resident with many who lived at Beatrice Hover. He was known for his kindness and jovial nature and entertained many with his varied collection of hats that brightened their lives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ken is survived by three children: Don Heizer and wife Pat of Payson, Arizona, Bill Heizer and wife Karen of Enid, Oklahoma, and Nanci Kalamaya and husband Rick of Longmont; his former wife Frances Tate of Enid, Oklahoma; a sister Margaret Nell Majors of Colorado Springs, Colorado; six grandchildren: Lyndsey, Whitney, Jeremiah and wife Charity, Kendra and husband Eric, Ryan and Carilynn; and three great grandchildren: Saige, Lydia, and Gunnar.

A service to celebrate Ken’s life was held at Beatrice Hover at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 21. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation services. His remains will be scattered on the Blue Mesa Lake where he enjoyed spending time.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Boulder and Broomfield Counties or to the Western State Foundation, P.O. Box 1264, Gunnison, CO 81230.