Adam was born in Provo, Utah in 1974 to Richard Anderson Heckmann and Karen Olson Heckmann. Raised in the shadow of Mount Timpanogos he learned to love the outdoors and mountain trails. His kind heart, willingness to help, adventuresome spirit, and his ability to bring a laugh to any situation affected all those around him. He traveled the world as a young man with his father’s academic assignments to the Soviet Union, Peru, and Vietnam. He was known for his willing appetite, impressing locals by trying their most exotic offerings, from frog legs in Hong Kong to certain unmentionable parts of a horse in Kazakhstan.
He attended Timpview High School where he nurtured his lifelong passion for sports, excelling as a cross country runner. Beyond school walls he thrived as a mountain biker and skier, even taking on a paper route to support his love of skiing. He was the most avid promoter of an annual family tradition of hiking Mount Timpanogos. His love of the outdoors drew him to Scouting, where he earned his Eagle. He served in the Arizona Tempe mission, where his creative approach to missionary work included competing in (and winning) a logging competition.
He attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a BS degree in Exercise Physiology in 2001. While a student, he met the love of his life, Heidi Matthews. They married in the San Diego, California LDS Temple in September of 2002. The inseparable duo soon welcomed three amazing children to a family they raised in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake.
Adam spent decades of his career in the healthcare industry, providing field support and technical training vital in supporting and saving lives. Although he was a dedicated worker, those who know Adam will remember him best from time spent with him outside, whether gardening, running, skiing, coaching or biking. We will remember his long strides that took the rest of us two to three steps to catch up to. We will remember the sweet and goofy piano solos that came out of nowhere, entertaining us with everything from Aladdin or Les Mis all the way to Chopin.
His almost superhuman athleticism drew people to him, mostly because of his generous way of including others and making them feel strong as well. His strengths were evident nowhere more than with his own children. He taught them throughout his life as their coach, chef, cheerleader, and champion. He was the best and most attentive dad in the world.
Always ready to serve, whenever needed, Adam took on many church responsibilities. When newly married, he was called as a High Councilor in the family ward they attended. He went on to serve in Gospel Doctrine, as a Financial Clerk, and Elder’s Quorum President. But his talent was serving the youth in the Ward Young Men’s Presidency and in the Stake Young Men’s Presidency.
Above all, Adam loved his family. He is survived by his adored wife Heidi, and his cherished children Richard, Ezra, and Remy; his mother Karen Olson Heckmann, and sisters Lisa (Brent) Olsen, Nancy (James) Erekson, Amy (Joel) Zenger, and Eden Camille Heckmann.
Services will be held at East Millcreek North Stake Center, 3103 East Craig Drive: Viewing Friday, February 17, 6-8 p.m. Funeral services on Saturday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m., with brief viewing from 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
