Hard to believe that it has been a year already. Leonard will never be forgotten. As a matter of fact, I just referred to him yesterday at a 200 Club of Sussex County Board of Trustees meeting. 
Superior Court Judge Ron Graves' name came up in conversation and I told the story of his having the Denville Lions Little League  circa 1955 team photo on his desk in his chambers for about two decades before he retired.  Ron played shortstop when Leonard caught and more importantly hit home runs.
Memories are many but some are mentioned more frequently. Such are the memories of Chief Leonard Heydt.
"Hand Salute!"

I was an 18 yr old volunteer in 1971. Leonard was a HCFD officer and during Wednesday training nights he gave me a lot of great advice. That advice saved my butt one night when I thought it would be a great idea to ventilate the front door of a house full of smoke. Thank you! I didn’t know you well because after high school I left HCFD. Rest In Peace Chief. 

Chief Heydt was a good man and one of the originals. He worked with my former Supervisors, Tommy Coomes and Richard Wellinghurst. We responded to quite a few Hazardous Material Incidents back in the day, especially around the usual curve on I 71 Northbound at the Watterson Expressway split. He helped to change that curve to make it safer. God speed Chief and prayers to your family and thanks for your service to your community!

Former Chief Heydt was such a great friend of the WHAS Crusade for Children.  We are grateful that he continued to support efforts to make life better for children following his retirement from the fire service.  While he leaves a legacy of making a very real difference for children, he will be missed! 

Just know Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.   There are special moments and memories that are yours alone, and yet many share in your loss and care deeply about your sorrow. 
Sincerely,  
The Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs

So sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences.

Barb, Matt, Maria, MJ
The Manleys

Marilee, Pamela and Marianne and Family - Was so very sorry to learn of Len's passing. Growing up, we were more like cousins than neighbors. Got into and out of trouble together.  About the same age, Len and my brother Dave were the fishermen. Judy and I enjoyed the visits at the shore home on Barnegat Bay as I know Len enjoyed fishing on The Boxer with my Dad and Dave. From one of the other remembrances, we both had duty call at our weddings. Len with the floral fire and my taking my groomsmen from the church to a MVA just before the ceremony. He outlasted me as chief, he 1974-2001 and me 1971-1993. Len was smarter. He chose a fire career and me the other blue - police. Judy and I enjoyed the southern hospitality when we attended the IACP in Louisville in the '80's. It was also nice having a brief visit on our return from MO a few years back.  
Rest in Peace my friend. Hand Salute!
Skip and Judy

Connie and I are so sorry for your loss.  Leonard will be missed by all  that knew and worked with him. We all had good times together at work, dinners, picnics and the reunions. Those are the memories that we like to keep. May God be with you and bless you Marilee and all of your family. 

I am so sorry for your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  The world is a better place because Leonard was here.  Thanks to his family for sharing him all those years while he served our community.  I worked with Leonard for many years in the Jefferson County Fire Trustees Association.  He was always willing to help when asked and provided us with great advice and leadership.  Most importantly he offered friendship to all.   He was a true gentleman that left a lasting impression on all of us that were fortunate to know and work beside him.  May he rest in peace.  

Dear Marilee, Pamela and Marianne,

We are so sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. We know how difficult this time is for your family. Please remember that he is now in God's loving arms.

With sincere condolences,
Joanne, John, Eric and Irina Muzyka


Marilee,  my deepest condolences. I was just a teen when I met you both,  but you never treated me like a kid.  I was always treated with love and respect. We lost touch for some years, but when we reconnected,  it was like we had been together the entire time.  Didn't see you all often,  but he did stay in touch.  We had many good times together,  and I will miss Leonard.  

It was such an honor to have served  on the Harrods Creek Fire Department Reunion Committee with Chief Leonard. Such a gentle caring and compassionate man.  Besides being our leader, he guided us  in the right direction especially when we fell off track. Loved his humor,  and his dedication .  Thank you Chief for treating me with respect and I truly appreciate all you have done. I will miss you ! We will meet again.
Dee Jay Kelly
HCFD
Public Educator

Oh, my, Marilee! As soon as I sent our memory message, David reminded me of your wedding! How could I not include that? There we were -- the bride (you) and your attendants (including me) -- waiting to walk to the altar. Len and the groomsmen were standing in their assigned places, waiting for your grand entrance. Suddenly there was a commotion. We saw smoke! A candle had ignited a decorative fern. Len left his post and put out the fire, then calmly returned to his place and stood there, looking to the back of the church as if nothing had happened. That's just one example of how he took care of things. You might be surprised at how often we have told that story over the years. It is a bittersweet but treasured recollection of a wonderful man.

We offer our condolences to you, Marilee, and to the many people who loved Len. What memories we have of him when all of us were in college and then young adults starting our married lives. So much laughter! Those were good days. We hope your memories bring you comfort. He will always be in our hearts.

Marilee, I am so sorry for your loss of your soulmate. I have great memories of Leonard.  We worked together at Louisville Trust Bank,  he was in our wedding in 1975 and you all had a great NYE party at River Hill back in the day. Such a great man and I will miss seeing him at mass at St. Leonard. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 

I certainly hate to hear that Leonard has passed.  He was a dedicated and respected fire service professional.  

OBITUARY

Leonard E. Heydt

March 12, 1945 – December 9, 2020

Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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