Richard Wayne Heavner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Wayne Heavner (80) son of Adele and Col. William S. Heavner, aka “the Colonel.” Richard’s biggest love was his family. Richard was a man who was knowledgeable, well-traveled, and loved to share stories with his family and friends.

Richard cared deeply for those around him and his community. No matter where he lived, he was well known and loved by many. Richard was very active in the community and took pride in his community service. He was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge and a very proud member of the American Legion. Richard enjoyed spending time with his friends. Whether it was weekly game nights, Thursday nights at CJ’s, or Monday lunches at Kretch’s, there was a good time to be had. Football season was Richard’s favorite time of year. He was a big Buffalo Bills fan who would never miss a game and always drove with a Bill’s flag on the back of his wheelchair. Richard was a man of character and was able to find peace within himself. He faced life’s challenges with determination and lived a fulfilled happy life until his passing.

Richard often talked about the happy memories of his childhood with his parents and brother, who he missed deeply. As a child, Richard’s family lived near military bases across the USA and Japan. He enjoyed learning about different cultures and would often tell stories of adventures with his brother on Mt. Fuji or the cities of Japan. When the Colonel retired from active service, the family settled in North Tonawanda, NY where Richard finished high school and met his wife, Winanne. Richard was drafted a few years into their marriage and served in the Army in Vietnam. During this time, Richard served on the North Tonawanda School Board. After his divorce, Richard relocated to Florida in the 1980s, first living in Orlando, Daytona, and Ft. Lauderdale. While on the east coast of Florida, Richard worked camera repair contracts for Disney and NASA getting backstage access to the “neat” stuff at EPCOT and the Space Shuttle. He eventually settled in Marco Island and ran and owned the Marco Photo repair shop there for many years. Richard’s parents were “snowbirds” and split their time between North Tonawanda and the Gulf Coast of Florida. When his mother passed away in 1991, Richard invited his father to move in with him. They lived together on Marco until his passing in 2008.

Richard is survived by two children: Scott (Selda) Heavner and Peggy (Timothy) Van Wie; granddaughters, Megan and Kate; as well as many friends. Richard also shared a special bond with his caregiver, Jayne Morse.

Richard will be sadly missed by so many.