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Thomas Heilman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Heilman
Chic Hess
July 12, 2006
My Best Friend is Gone
News from the East Coast sometimes arrives late to Hawaii. I just learned of a great, great loss—the passing of Tom Heilman.
I remember the first time I saw Tom Heilman. Lebanon had been my home for all of about one week when I spotted a tall man with a full black beard and dressed for a game, bouncing a basketball towards the South Fourth Street basketball court. He looked about my age, and I wondered if the bearded guy could play, or was the sidewalk dribbling exhibition all show?
Later, I learned from one of my new players that the man in question was Mr. Heilman and that he taught physical education at a couple of the city’s elementary schools. From the boy’s comments, I could tell that the kids favored him. A PE teacher who was admired by the kids and who played basketball was all I needed to know—he had to be a good guy.
Because I was in the business of locating future players, I had a legitimate reason to arrange a meeting with Mr. Heilman. I am not sure what he first thought of me, but I liked him immediately. Tom was honest, and he would call a spade a spade, plus he appeared willing to help me identify talented fifth and sixth graders. Tom spent time telling me a lot about his hometown—the kids, schools, administrators, people—he provided me an invaluable history of these and many other interesting topics.
From our conversations, a friendship developed and grew with each passing year. Before long, and in spite of my selfish motive for wanting to build winning teams, Tom became my best friend. I was oblivious to my shortcomings as a friend, but Tom overlooked them and accepted me anyway.
Tom must have enjoyed following the Cedar basketball teams because he was always there for me to talk to. Even when my Cedars lost to his Lebanon Catholic team, he was there to console and encourage me. Seeing his big grin did help me put the loss in perspective.
Whenever I needed help or someone to talk to, Big Tom was there. I thoroughly enjoyed the hours we and our families spent together. When I decided it was time for me to take my coaching efforts elsewhere, it was leaving the Heilmans behind that burdened my decision the most. In fact, it was Tom who spent the entire day helping me pack a moving van full of furniture to begin my college coaching trek. For many years thereafter, my conscience bothered me for chasing my dream instead of staying in close contact with Tom, Eileen and the boys.
Tom was a Lebanon product to the max. He was the best that the city of Lebanon had to offer. I am so indebted to this giant of a man, and now he is gone. I will be forever indebted to him without ever having the opportunity to tell him that I loved and appreciated him like a brother.
I am saddened to think that he is no longer here for his family, friends, and me. God bless you, my friend, and may your soul rest in peace.
I miss you.
Sincerely,
Chic Hess
Cedar Basketball Coach ’74-‘82
Christine Hess
July 4, 2006
Dear Mrs. Heilman and boys,
My very first "favorite teacher" was Mr. Heilman when he was at Southwest Elementary. In addition to fostering my love of sports and fitness, he was such a very, very good friend to my dad. One of my last memories of Lebanon is laughing and laughing with your family in your backyard shortly before we moved. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I mourn with you.
Fran Thomas
July 2, 2006
Dear Heilman Family,
I got to know your family through Tom's cousin, Cecilia Karter Ruhl, who was also my best friend, many years ago while in high school.
Tom was always a wonderful guy, as
were all the boys and Jane, as well as his parents. I also know Eileen from working at the GSH.
I was saddened and shocked to hear of his passing and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you.
Tom always remembered me throughout the years whenever I ran into him. It's hard to believe he has left this life so early.
May God be with all of you in your
time of sorrow and bless you with his spirit forever. I know he will
be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him
Fran Hilton Thomas
Rolland (Pudge) Laughlin, Jr
June 29, 2006
Dear Heilman Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My deapest sympathy goes out to you.
Jennifer Getz
June 28, 2006
Dear Heilman Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Heilman was my gym teacher at Southeast and then LHS.
As a student, he always took the time to check in with me. Even years later, he would stop to say hello.
I can't remember a time when he wasn't my teacher, and I'm thank ful for that. He was a teacher in every sense of the word.
God bless your family.
Joe Grabusky
June 26, 2006
Dear Eileen,
I was recently told of Tom's passing. My wife, Mary Jo, and I have you and your children in our prayers. I attended high school with Tom. He always remembered me whenever I saw him on our visits back to Lebanon, even though the visits were years apart. Bless you all.
Edna Hutchins
June 25, 2006
Eileen and boys:
Back in 1973, Tom welcomed me into the Lebanon School Distrtict Elementary Phys. Ed. Department.
He meet two new kids on the block
(Sheri Freeland also)one evening at a resturant to expound on the expectations that would be unfolding shortly in our careers.Tom arrived on his motorcycle wearing a black leather jacket...not the typical imagine that I expected from a PE teacher.
We did many field days together...an entire week of back to back fun-filled days for the students. I remember his boys that went to Harding Elementary...gosh it seems just like yesterday.
Tom fought hard to improve the quality of Phys. Education within the Lebanon Schools. When he had a mission...there was no stopping him from trying to obtain it. I appreciated his willingness to give a helping hand when needed.
Life was too short for Tom, but knowing him he probably fulfilled most of his desires. Just imagine, Tom's probably encouraging his new friends right now to start walking...with a stopwatch in his hand to record their first attempt at the walk/run mile!
Remembering the good memories will always allow him to be with you.
May you find strength and peace to transition into the next stage of your life.
With sympathy,
Edna Hutchins, Lebanon Elem. Phys. Ed.
John Barnhart
June 25, 2006
Dear Eileen,
We were so sorry to hear about Tom. It is so hard to believe that he will no longer be here to share his unique sense of humor. He could always make me laugh like no one else could. I always think of Tom when I'm teaching and coaching to this day. Please tell the boys that our thoughts are with them at this time.
John and Bess Barnhart
Betsy Dengler
June 24, 2006
Eileen and family. Tom and I grew up together and he spent as much time at my house as I did. We were great friends,my parents loved him as did my entire family. This is a terrible loss for everyone.
Betsy(Karinch) Dengler
David Ogurcak
June 24, 2006
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Heilman family especially Toms' wife and children. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
David & Cathrie Ogurcak
Norma Gonzalez
June 23, 2006
To the Heilman family;
I wanted to express my deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Heilman was my physical education teacher at Harding, Jr. High and later the High School. He was a tough teacher, but I remember him always encouraging his students to go the extra mile.
Sally (Westenberger) Hunt
June 23, 2006
Dear Eileen, Jane, Chris, Vince, Darin and Brandon,
I am so saddened about the death of Tom, one of my dearest friends through 12 years of school. And I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I share your grief. Tom is in my prayers, as are each of you. I pray for peace in your hearts as you go through these difficult days.
Nancy Nebiker
June 23, 2006
Mrs. Heilmanm, Jane L. and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. My prayers to you and the rest of the family.
Nancy Allwein Nebiker
Frank Grabusky
June 23, 2006
Eileen,
On behalf of the entire Grabusky Family, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to you and your immediate family. The Heilman and Grabusky children grew up pretty much 'joined-at-the-hip' and we share many fond memories.
Mrs. Heilman, Jane, Vince, Phil and Chris, our thoughts are with you.
Cookie/George McWthey
June 23, 2006
Dear Heilman Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of your wonderful family. I remember Tom being over to visit his mother when i spent the night there and how much fun he was to be around. He had such a friendly personality. But I think about the last time I saw him, I remember how proud he was of his family and how much he loved his grandchildren. What a pleasure it is to have known him and his family. You will always be in our heart, Tom.
mike smith
June 23, 2006
dear vince, phil, and chris
i'm so sorry for your loss he was still so young. our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all the family in your time of sorrow.
all our best,
mike and diane smith
Linda Meyer
June 22, 2006
Eileen,
So sorry to hear about
your loss,you & your family will
be in our prayers.
Larry Shay
June 22, 2006
My wife and i would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband. Tom was my elementary school gym teacher at Franklin. I really got to know Tom and your family during the years that i worked at Colemans Pool in my high school years. We had such good times there .You are in my thoughts and prayers
Larry & Kim Shay
NANCY DEIMLER
June 22, 2006
Eileen, Mrs Heilman and Jane:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. May God Bless you in your time of grief.
Love
Nancy Deimler
Carl Patton, Jr.
June 22, 2006
My prayers are with you in your time of grief. I am sorry for your loss.
Ed Donley
June 22, 2006
What a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am one of the few people that can say, "I had Tom Heilman as a Phys Ed teacher throughout my entire academic career." It started at Southeast Elementary School and from there went to the Lebanon Junior High School. I moved onto high school and so did Tom Heilman. I respected him as a teacher, a coach, a mentor and a human being. I am truly shocked by his passing.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs Heilman, Darin, Brandon and their respective families. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed Donley
Dale, Lisa and Felicia Getz
June 22, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carl Phillips
June 22, 2006
I remember Mr. Heilman as one of my teachers at Lebanon High. It is hard to see all those years gone by,but I would like to give my sympathy to the family.
SHARON WALSH
June 22, 2006
HI EILEEN
I AM SO SORRY TO SEE THAT TOM PASSED AWAY. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE IT IN THE NEWSPAPER. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE SHARON WALSH
Sharon Stamm
June 22, 2006
Eileen & Family, We are stunned by Tom's death. It is hard to comprehend.
Several weeks ago, we had dinner with Eileen and Tom at the Friendship and Tom seemed in the best of spirits and looked great. We are so sad for your entire family.
My favorite memory of Tom is getting to know him when I went to the YMCA gym at the VA with a friend (yes, I used to exercise) and Tom helped us use the equipment. When I started working at Dr. Klatchko's office with Eileen, Tom walked in one day and Eileen said..."this is my husband". I couldn't believe it was the my work-out trainer from the gym!!
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Eileen and to your entire family. We will talk to you soon.
Love, Randy, Sharon & Whitney Stamm
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