ARNE HEGGEN

ARNE HEGGEN - MIDDLEBURY - Arne Heggen died unexpectedly while biking on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, at the age of 48. Arne leaves behind his wife of 17 years, Julie Arel, and his daughter, Sophie, who was the light of his life. A 1986 graduate of Middlebury College, Arne loved his adopted state of Vermont. An avid skier, hiker and camper, Arne was happiest when he was on the top of a mountain or paddling a lake with his family. He could ski almost anything and with an intense joy that was palpable to those skiing with him. Although he was born in Albany, and grew up a Mets fan in Malta, N.Y., Arne became a Red Sox convert when he met Julie. He loved the "beautiful game" of soccer, whether he was playing, watching the World Cup or, most importantly, watching his daughter as she played soccer with zeal. The only thing more satisfying to Arne than challenging himself physically, was loving his family intensely. Arne had a wonderful sense of humor, true modesty, compassion and generosity that was treasured by all who knew him. Arne was a physician assistant at Associates in Orthopedic Surgery. Arne's family, friends and co-workers will miss his humor, love, and passion for life. In addition to his wife and daughter, Arne is survived by his parents, Marilyn (Meehan) and Arne E. Heggen of Ballston Lake, N.Y.; sister, Karen Heggen of Malta, N.Y.; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Jennifer Heggen of Malta, N.Y.; and sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Thomas Burke of South Lyon, Mich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and in-laws who loved him as a son and brother. Donations may be made to the Memorial Fund for the Benefit of Sophie J. Heggen at People's United Bank, Middlebury Office, PO Box 389, Middlebury, VT 05753, or sent in Arne's honor to Half the Sky Foundation, www.halfthesky.org. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation of a food item be made to a local foodbank. A memorial service will be held in early September.