William C. Heher

1949 - 2022

William C. Heher
08/01/2022
In loving memory of William (Bill) Curtis Heher, born in September 1949, died August 1, 2022.
William Heher passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Lynn Manson Heher, of 38 years; his son, William Wallace Heher and his wife Julie Shattuck Heher of Monroe; his son, Curtis Andrew Heher and his wife Kerry Jane Heher of Bedford, New Hampshire. He is the loving grandfather of Harper Thomas (5), McKenna Riley (4), Hayden Curtis (3), Hadley Jane (3), and Bailey River (2).
He is predeceased by his brother, John H. Heher; mother, Marion Hoadley Heher; and father, John Sylvester Heher.
Bill was a visionary, and while he began his career as a teacher, he then ventured off into the unknown bringing fine gems and fossils from across the world with his company, Rare Earth Mining Company. While raising a family, coaching baseball, and cursing the greens at Tashua Knolls, he had a zest for the unexplored, rarely seen. His travels started in his twenties, taking him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, cities of Hong Kong, Idar-Oberstein, Sao Paulo and New Delhi. Wherever he went, he immersed himself into the culture, made life-long friends, and intertwined business and pleasure seamlessly through his career.
Bill opened and operated the Rare Earth Gallery in Redding, CT in addition to selling gemstones, fossils, and jewelry. He constructed a mine where children could hunt for treasures and hold birthday parties.
Rare Earth Mining Company was founded in 1968; today services 20+ countries, and works with over 300 materials.
Bill always encouraged experiential education, and loved that his sons pursued adventure like he did. He ended his career at the top of the gem world, being nominated by his peers to be on the board of the American Gem Trade Association.
A master storyteller with an infectious smile, his passion for life lit up every room he was in. His sons pursue his passions of teaching (Will), adventure (both), and being a "stone junkie" (Curt). And they ensure they will instill this into their children.
In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you will make contributions to one of Bill's passions, The Nichol's Improvement Association or Trumbull Little League through the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-8 PM at the Starkweather House at the Nichols Improvement Association, 1773 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, CT. Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. This is a celebration of his life, do not feel compelled to dress up, come dressed comfortably to laugh, tell stories and to celebrate the husband, father, and friend that Bill was and will continue to be in our hearts.
Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, Trumbull, CT. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mullinsfh.com