Robert "Chip" C. Heath

Robert Clifton “Chip” Heath, 61, of San Francisco, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Raised primarily in Janesville, WI, with his brothers Chip was taught to be independent. After earning degrees at Carroll University in Wisconsin and the University of Denver, he enjoyed a varied career which took him to a variety of cities. In Chicago he worked for Brent House, the Episcopal student organization at the University of Chicago. In Washington, he worked for the HIV-antibody Counselling and Testing Program at the Whitman Walker Medical Clinic. In London, he was a lay pastoral associate in the Church of England. In more recent years, Chip managed the household affairs of families in New York, Houston, and San Francisco.

A deeply faithful man, Chip was an active member of churches wherever he lived, including St. Paul’s K Street in Washington, St. Thomas 5th Avenue and St. Mary the Virgin in New York City, and the Church of the Advent of Christ the King in San Francisco. He held a deep affection for the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, England where he enjoyed spiritual retreats. The support of the people of Church of the Advent was particularly important for Chip over the last several years of his life.

Chip loved to travel and meet new people while always loyally holding fast to the places and people who felt like home. He could lose himself in telling stories of his adventures and meeting Julie Andrews (twice!). He loved singing with others as a member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., the New York City Master Chorale, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. A highlight was the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall.

Chip was the kind of person who would readily listen with his whole attention and make you feel like the most important person in the world, and just as freely make you laugh until your belly ached. The living, breathing essence of the dichotomy of the human spirit, he could find brilliance while the world was asleep, and he could stand in silent awe of something beautiful while the world rushed noisily around him. All the while, he never quite believed that he was a brilliant, beautiful star shining light in the lives of so many who loved him.

Chip is survived by his brothers, Ralston (Sue), Timothy (Tricia), and Thomas; three stepsisters, Jackie, Laurie, and Cindy; an aunt and uncle, nieces and nephews, and cousins; by the Denson family, John, Stephanie, Taylor (Nicole), Eli, and Luca; and by countless others who grieve the loss of their dear friend.

If you are struggling and need help, those who love Chip encourage you to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or connect online a thttps://988lifeline.org.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8 at 11am at the Church of the Advent of Christ the King, 261 Fell Street, San Francisco, the Rev. Paul Allick presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chip's memory to:

Church of the Advent of Christ the King, San Francisco, https://www.advent-sf.org/donations

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, https://www.sfgmc.org/donate

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert "Chip" C. Heath, please visit our flower store.