Robert "Bob" Lorence Heikell
Robert "Bob" Lorence Heikell
Robert "Bob" Lorence Heikell died Monday, February 10, 2014 at Samaritan hospital in Moses Lake, Washington. He was with his loving wife Dora and family when he passed away.
Bob was born in Yakima, Washington on April 16, 1933, son of Lorence Theodore Heikell and Iris (White) Heikell. Bob was raised on a small farm west of Wapato, Washington where his father taught him the skills to prune the family orchard. It was there that he attended school and also learned to love hunting, model airplanes and aviation. Later in life Bob become a licensed pilot.
Bob graduated from Wapato High School in 1951. After graduation, Bob enjoyed working in forestry as a fire watchman in the lookout towers. This was an ideal job because of his great love for the outdoors. During the summer months, while he attended college, Bob continued as a fire watchman. Bob served in the United States Army as a transmission specialist with tours in Maryland and Alaska. Bob was very patriotic and was very proud that he had served his country.
Bob received a bachelor and a master's degree in Education from Central Washington University. Bob dedicated his life to education and helping others. He was a principal for 30 years in the Moses Lake school district until his retirement. Through the years, he was always greeted by former students and colleagues who were so fond of him. Bob was known for his motivating speeches and performing memorized poems. After his career in education, Bob became the Director of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University based at Big Bend Community College. In retirement, Bob worked at Worksource teaching workshops to improve employment skills. Bob was a very dynamic man who dedicated his life to helping others.
Aviation interests followed him all of his life. Bob coauthored One Chance for Glory, with his brother Ted. It is an historical novel detailing the first non-stop transPacific flight and the life of pilot Clyde Pangborn. Bob also loved to build radio-controlled model airplanes. His pride was "Miss Veedol," a highly accurate model of Clyde Pangborn's airplane. Bob's original model now hangs in the East Wenatchee City Hall as a monument to Pangborn's achievement and an example of Bob's fine craftsmanship.
Bob was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints second ward. He served faithfully in many callings. Bob and his wife, Dora had recently completed a mission in January, as Employment Specialists in the Moses Lake Stake. Bob was dedicated and served the Lord with all his heart.
Bob is survived by the love of his life, Dora (Diaz)
Heikell of Moses Lake; son Mark Allen Heikell with wife Esther of Lynnwood, Washington, daughter Dorothy Monette Heikell with husband Kevin Smith of Moses Lake; son Lorence Jonathan Heikell of Ballard, Washington; son Warrant Officer 4 Albert Mario Heikell with wife Michelle of Stafford, Virginia; son-in-law Jeff Howard of Moses Lake; step-daughter Sonia (Summerlin) Butterfield with husband Clark; step-daughter Lucy (Summerlin) Fitterer with husband Richard; step-son Ray Summerlin with wife Kim of Kent, Washington, and brother-in-law Ray Diaz with wife Nina of Burbank, Washington. Bob is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob is also survived by his brother Edward Theodore "Ted" Heikell with wife Joyce of Renton, Washington; sister Ellena (Heikell) Knobel with husband Roger of Yakima, Washington; and sister ZiNita (Heikell) Carrol with husband David of Lacey, Washington.
Robert Lorence Heikell was proceeded in death by his father Lorence Heikell, mother Iris (White) Heikell, brother Eldred Heikell, son Eric Heikell, grandson Scott Heikell, nieces Andrea Simpson and Deanne McAdams; and foster sister Dorothy Brown.
A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 1 :00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; 925 N. Grape Dr. Moses Lake, Washington.
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