Robert M. Heiney

Mr Robert M. Heiney, 94 of Buchanan, passed away peacefully Thursday April 5, 2018 in Grand Rapids, at his home in Clark Retirement Community after a brief illness. He was born November 19, 1923 in Huntington, Indiana. Son of Donald M. Heiney and Lola Opal (Smith) Heiney. Bob graduated Buchanan High School in 1941. He then attended Michigan State University for less than one year, joining the United States Army at the outbreak of World War II. Bob was extremely proud of his military service. He was awarded a purple heart for his action in the South West Pacific. After returning from the war, Bob was married to his cherished wife, Mary on October 4, 1947. They were married just short of 70 years. Together, with the help of his dad, they built their family home on Chamberlain Road in Buchanan where they raised their 3 children and happily resided for 66 years until June, 2015 when they moved to Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob was employed at Clark Equipment Company after returning from the service. He spent 44 years with Clark’s.  He started his career as an inspector in the Housing Department on River Street and worked his way up to senior buyer in the Purchasing Department until his retirement. After retirement Bob and Mary enjoyed many years of traveling together; trips abroad with family, the Holy Land with a church group, their adventurous travels through the US state and national parks as well as into Canada with family and friends.  Bob’s other favorite activities included coaching his sons’ little league baseball teams, golfing, fishing, bowling, playing cards and the ukulele, attending sporting events and cheering vocally ‘for’ any team playing Notre Dame.  He had a real passion for dancing to the Big Bands music of the 40s and has many fond memories of that era.  Lastly, his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs has been passed down through the years to his children and grandchildren.  Finally achieving his goal of watching them win the World Series was definitely a highlight.  He also was a devoted fan to any activities involving his children and grandchildren, loyally traveling near and far to watch, cheer and encourage them in their endeavors. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist in Buchanan where over the years he sang in the choir, ushered and volunteered as needed. He was a member of the Buchanan American Legion, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Jaycees. Bob is survived by his three children: Linda (Jim) Munro of Saint Joseph, MI, Rob (Darcy) Heiney of Saint Joseph, MI and Chuck (Amy) of Grand Rapids, MI; six grandchildren: Christopher (Keri), Andrew (Spenser), Eric, Elliott, Claire and Will and 3 great-grandchildren: Myla, Ella, Bennett and a fourth great-grandson due in April.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary, his parents, a brother Mark Edwin and a sister Anna Mae Post. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend.  He was a quiet, gentle man, with a great smile and contagious laugh; always there to patiently offer advice, lend a helping hand and leading by his example, displaying to us what it meant to be responsible, courageous, respectful and grateful.  Dad’s priceless gift of sharing his time and ‘presence’ in our lives is his legacy to us. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Friday, April 20 at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church in Buchanan with Pastor Rob McPherson officiating.  Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church Buchanan Michigan, Emmanuel Hospice Grand Rapids, Michigan or Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those wishing to leave a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com   The family gathered earlier at Oak Ridge Cemetery for Private graveside services. Mr Robert M. Heiney, 94 of Buchanan, passed away peacefully Thursday April 5, 2018 in Grand Rapids, at his home in Clark Retirement Community after a brief illness. He was born November 19, 1923 in Huntington, Indiana. Son of Donald M. Heiney and Lola Opal (Smith) Heiney. Bob graduated Buchanan High School in 1941. He then attended Michigan State University for less than one year, joining the United States Army at the outbreak of World War II. Bob was extremely proud of his military service. He was awarded a purple heart for his action in the South West Pacific. After returning from the war, Bob was married to his cherished wife, Mary on October 4, 1947. They were married just short of 70 years. Together, with the help of his dad, they built their family home on Chamberlain Road in Buchanan where they raised their 3 children and happily resided for 66 years until June, 2015 when they moved to Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob was employed at Clark Equipment Company after returning from the service. He spent 44 years with Clark’s.  He started his career as an inspector in the Housing Department on River Street and worked his way up to senior buyer in the Purchasing Department until his retirement. After retirement Bob and Mary enjoyed many years of traveling together; trips abroad with family, the Holy Land with a church group, their adventurous travels through the US state and national parks as well as into Canada with family and friends.  Bob’s other favorite activities included coaching his sons’ little league baseball teams, golfing, fishing, bowling, playing cards and the ukulele, attending sporting events and cheering vocally ‘for’ any team playing Notre Dame.  He had a real passion for dancing to the Big Bands music of the 40s and has many fond memories of that era.  Lastly, his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs has been passed down through the years to his children and grandchildren.  Finally achieving his goal of watching them win the World Series was definitely a highlight.  He also was a devoted fan to any activities involving his children and grandchildren, loyally traveling near and far to watch, cheer and encourage them in their endeavors. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist in Buchanan where over the years he sang in the choir, ushered and volunteered as needed. He was a member of the Buchanan American Legion, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Jaycees. Bob is survived by his three children: Linda (Jim) Munro of Saint Joseph, MI, Rob (Darcy) Heiney of Saint Joseph, MI and Chuck (Amy) of Grand Rapids, MI; six grandchildren: Christopher (Keri), Andrew (Spenser), Eric, Elliott, Claire and Will and 3 great-grandchildren: Myla, Ella, Bennett and a fourth great-grandson due in April.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary, his parents, a brother Mark Edwin and a sister Anna Mae Post. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend.  He was a quiet, gentle man, with a great smile and contagious laugh; always there to patiently offer advice, lend a helping hand and leading by his example, displaying to us what it meant to be responsible, courageous, respectful and grateful.  Dad’s priceless gift of sharing his time and ‘presence’ in our lives is his legacy to us. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Friday, April 20 at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church in Buchanan with Pastor Rob McPherson officiating.  Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church Buchanan Michigan, Emmanuel Hospice Grand Rapids, Michigan or Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those wishing to leave a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com   The family gathered earlier at Oak Ridge Cemetery for Private graveside services.