Robert Anthony "Bob" Heup

Heup, Robert (Bob) Anthony
Bob Heup, of Phoenix, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 8, 2012, surrounded by his wife of 20 years, Elaine, and caregivers at his home due to complications of multiple sclerosis (MS). Bob was born June 20,1927, in Doris, California. He went to school in Klamath Falls, Oregon before heading to the University of Oregon. From college he entered the US Navy. It was while he was in the Navy, at age 21, his first symptoms of MS were observed. Shortly after his honorable discharge, Bob met and married Betty Mae French. They settled in Eugene, Oregon where Bob worked in the lumber industry. Work took the family to Ukiah, California, Portland, Oregon and then on to Phoenix in 1971. Bob worked for many years until the effects of MS reduced his mobility and vitality and forced him to retire at the age of 43. At this point in his life, Bob, a real wheeler-dealer, began to pursue his passion of car restoration beginning with early T-Birds, Mustangs and Lincolns. Bob Heup survived with MS longer than any individual on record - 64 years. During this time he never complained or became bitter about his circumstance. He was truly an inspiration and a marvel to all who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him. His Catholic faith, his family who called him "Poppa" and his friends were his life's priorities. Bob was preceded in death by wife Betty, sons Robert J. Heup and Richard W. Heup and granddaughter, Jennifer Heup. He is survived by sister, Charlotte Pierce of Scottsdale, daughter Trish Ross of Long Beach, CA, (son-in-law Alan and grandson Nathan Ross), daughter-in-law Karen Heup of Latrobe, PA (grandchildren Becky, Benjamin and Tyler Heup) and daughter-in-law Linda Heup of Laguna Nigel, CA (granddaughter Stephanie, her husband Roger DeWames and 3 great-granddaughters; Kaitlyn, Mia and Vanessa.) The memorial celebration for Bob Heup is pending. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary, Mesa, Arizona.