Henry Joseph Heffernan

Henry Joseph “Hank” Heffernan, born January 1, 1932, passed away in Yakima, WA on November 15, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Cortland, New York to Francis Patrick Heffernan, Sr. and Catherine Burke Heffernan. Hank grew up in upstate New York, later graduating from Fabius High School. Hank served in the U.S. Army as an instructor for Cold Weather Environment survival, solidifying a life-long love of snow sports. After his service he met his future wife, Eleanor “Ellie” Nelson, while she was working on her master’s degree at Syracuse University. They were married on August 17, 1957 in Galesburg, IL. Hank then graduated from the University of Georgia and then UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Graduating in 1962, Hank and family moved to Pendleton, Oregon, Walla Walla, Washington and later to Yakima where he would live for the rest of his life. In Yakima he opened his veterinarian clinic, serving the community for decades. Hank was also a passionate founding member of the Yakima Southwest Rotary Club. He was honored to serve as the Rotary District Governor and loved to connect with others through the organization. He later served on the Yakima Foundation Board and was so proud of all the money that was raised for scholarships. In July 2025 he was awarded the first Hank Heffernan Spirit of Southwest Rotary Award which was a great honor.

Hank will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his three daughters: Kathleen Heffernan Brown (Mark), Heidi Heffernan Hakala (Mike), and Mary Heffernan Trester (Chuck); his four grandchildren: Jessica Hakala Mendonça (Justin), Hilary Brown Rettrey (Kamal), John Michael Hakala, Stuart Henry Brown (Samantha Anders) and three great grandchildren: Brooklyn Fay Mendonҫa, Brody John Mendonҫa and Kamal Karran (KJ) Rettrey Jr.

He is predeceased by his wife Ellie, his siblings: Francis Patrick (Pat) Heffernan Jr., Jeanne Marie Bertrand and her husband Curly, Edward Heffernan, Ellen Long and her husband Robert (Bob).

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 18th at 1:00PM at The Terraces at Summitview Meyers Auditorium (3801 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA 98902).

Donations may be made to the Yakima Southwest Rotary Charities:

YSWR Charities – Henry Heffernan

P.O. Box 1624

Yakima, WA 90907