Bruce Stephen Heintz

Bruce Stephen Heintz, a loving and compassionate man whose life was defined by devotion to family, integrity in work, and generosity of spirit, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 70. Born in Warren, Ohio, on July 19, 1955, Bruce made his home in Portland, Oregon, where he built a life rich in purpose, friendships, and lasting impact.

Above all else, Bruce was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and an amazing human being. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his three children and their spouses; five cherished grandchildren—who adored him and lovingly called him “Papa,” the very best Papa; three sisters; four brothers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Rose Heintz, two brothers, and a sister.

Bruce’s greatest joy was his family. His love for his grandchildren was absolute and unmistakable, expressed through time spent together, shared adventures, and stories told with warmth and humor. He was a natural storyteller—engaging, entertaining, and full of heart—bringing laughter and connection wherever he went.

Educated in Portland, Bruce attended Sellwood Grade School and graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1973. He continued his studies at Portland Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice in 1976, and at Mt. Hood Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Trade & Industrial Technology in 1980. He completed the Oregon State Carpenter Apprenticeship in 1977.

Bruce’s work ethic was legendary and began early. In the summer of eighth grade in 1969, he started working in construction, helping his sister and brother-in-law build a residence near Estacada. He worked mostly full-time throughout high school, balancing school and labor while building a CMU automobile repair shop and maintaining a 12-unit apartment complex. While studying criminal justice at PCC, he worked as an auto mechanic in the very shop he helped build. After a brief tenure with the Oregon State Police in 1976, Bruce recognized his true calling and joined the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship in March of 1977.

Over a remarkable 44-year career in the construction industry—retiring at the end of 2020—Bruce left an indelible mark on the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He spent his first seven years with Donald M. Drake Construction (now JE Dunn), then joined P&C Construction in 1984. From 1991 to 1994, following the completion of the NikeTown store downtown, he served as a consultant for Nike, planning and building NikeTown locations across the country. Recognizing the importance of being present for his family, Bruce returned to P&C Construction as General Superintendent, became a partner in 2005, and later invested in Ward-Henshaw Construction in 2015—helping form the MHA family of companies: P&C Construction, Ward-Henshaw Construction, and Baker York Equipment & Supply.

Among the many projects that shaped Bruce both professionally and personally were the Multnomah County Educational Center (1977), the KOIN Tower (1981), Reed College Library and campus expansions (1984), NikeTown (1988), Providence Parking Structures (1989), Cascade Paper (2005), and Reynolds High School (2017). These projects reflected not only his technical mastery and leadership—often overseeing teams of more than 100—but also his humility, commitment to excellence, and respect for every person on the job.

Outside of work, Bruce embraced the outdoors with passion. An avid and accomplished golfer, he loved the game and the community it brought, holding memberships at the Sunset Athletic Club and Rock Creek Country Club. He mastered the fine art of fly fishing, treasured camping trips with family, and found peace and joy in nature.

Bruce was also a thoughtful self-reflector, capturing the wisdom of a life well-lived in his own words. Among the lessons he shared: that good work ethic trumps luck; action is better than reaction; progress comes from meaningful change; trust must be earned and shared; and respect for others is the foundation of leadership. He believed in teaching so others could learn, leading so others would follow, and treating everyone—friend or foe—with fairness and consistency.

Bruce Stephen Heintz will be remembered for his kindness, humility, strength, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the people he taught, the buildings he helped create, the stories he told, and the deep love he gave so freely. He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.