Donald Francis Heil Jr.

Dear Dad,



First of all, we miss you.  Since you went to heaven we’ve been thinking how best to honor you and tell your story.  Seems like an impossible task given the many years we had together and all the memories made.  You were always one who appreciated a thoughtful handwritten letter though, so we’ll start with that.  And since you no longer get mail through the post office this will have to do.  We’re counting on the angels to know how to get this to you…



This you already know, you came into this world on April 17, 1954.  Born in Long Beach, California.  Officially you went by the name of Donald Francis Heil Jr.  We knew you as Pops, Husband, Donnie, Coach, Donaldo and of course, Dad.



It’s fun hearing stories about you as a kid growing up.  Family and friends describe you as independent, a protector, smart, driven, a budding athlete.  You got into your fair share of trouble.  You helped others get out of theirs.  You learned the importance of a good lock the day your top of the line Schwinn bike was stolen.  You’d still lament about that loss today.  You learned the value of a dollar when you went door-to-door all over town for weeks selling chocolates to get that Wilson ball glove you loved so much.  Somewhere along the way you picked up the infamous fiery Heil attitude.  As much as it got you into some tight spots, it also drove you to accomplish some pretty great things like playing baseball for the Oregon Ducks.



I know you would agree the best decision you ever made was when you decided to pursue a skinny brunette girl from Salem, Oregon.  As the story goes, when you first saw her you were at the horse track.  The girl was tending to the horses while you were up in the stands, observing from afar.  You noticed a handsome blonde guy walking beside her and naturally figured it was her boyfriend.  Fortunately, you just happened to be sitting next to that girl’s mother, who let it be known the guy next to her with the horse was actually her brother.  That was all you needed to hear…after several years of courting, you officially made that girl your Wife.  Another 3 years after that, she became our Mom.



When we came along that is when this story begins to shift to more of a thank you letter.  You changed your whole life’s focus towards being there for us.  You and Mom as a team were simply the best parents anyone could hope for.  Thank you.



Thank you for your time.  You gave it so selflessly.



Thank you for being the ultimate provider.  You always made sure we were well taken care of.



Thank you for your advice.  Our most recent favorite you offered us - “Laugh more...and dance…and eat more cake!”



Thank you for coaching us.  You coached us hard and we always felt like we were a step ahead thanks to you.  Not just in sports but in life, you were the best coach we ever had.



Thank you for teaching us the importance of service and generosity.  We learned from an early age it’s better to give than receive.



Thank you for your passion.  We will never watch an Oregon Ducks game the same without you, but we’ll always remember how fired up you’d get!



Thank you for your work ethic.  You instilled in us that same drive to work with purpose.



Thank you for disciplining us.  We weren’t always thankful for it, but we sure learned some manners quickly!



Thank you for your stories.  Oh, how you loved to tell stories and reminisce about old times, especially about us growing up.  Sometimes we wondered how much you embellished but we always loved hearing you tell them.



Thank you for being there.  For every moment good and bad, we could count on you.



Thank you for being brave.  When you were diagnosed with the most aggressive form of GBM brain cancer, you knew your time was limited.  There were several choices you could have made.  You chose to be brave and create more memories together.



Thank you for your wisdom.  You taught us there are 2 things in life you should aim to get right.  The first, make Jesus your focus above all else.  All good things flow from Him.  Secondly, whatever God is leading you to do, do it in a way that will impact as many people as possible.



Thank you for your faith.  The 30+ years we had together you and Mom walked with God and taught us how to do the same.  That will always serve as the foundation to our family.



Thank you for loving us so well.



Dad, when you went to heaven the morning of Saturday, May 5th, 2018 - of course we were sad.  You’ve been such a big part of our lives and there is already a terrible void without you here with us.  But we also hope you know that we are good.  Although you may not have realized it during our time together, you have been preparing us for this our entire lives.  You were an amazing Dad and we will continue to live how you taught us.  We will continue to make you proud.



It makes us smile knowing the day you passed you also had the best seat in the house for the Kentucky Derby, which was always one of your favorite days.  God’s perfect timing.  We have tremendous peace knowing that you are now our guardian angel up in Heaven, watching over us.  Give Angel dog a good pat and belly rub for us…we’ll see you both soon enough.



Love you always,

The Family



A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 9, 2018 1:00 PM at the Rogue Valley Country Club, 2660 Hillcrest Rd., Medford, OR 97504