Richard H. HEILMAN

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

i feel bad for his family

Sandy and family,
I have fond memories of my days teaching
with Rich at Tortolita.

Rich is one of the best memories I have from the one year I taught at Tortolita. ( 85-86) He and Sandi were bright spots in a very difficult year of teaching. Even traded me a desk for a chair from their home. So sad to hear of his passing. My prayers and condolences to Sandi and the family.

I had the privilege of having Mr. Heilman as my 8th grade science teach at Tortolita Jr. High during the 93-94 school year. I sat up front and enjoyed a year of getting to know Mr. Heilman and hearing all of the stories he liked to share with the kids who sat upfront. I've often thought of Mr. Heilman over the years and shared many of his stories with my wife and kids over. He not only made his class fun but he made science and learning fun as well. My condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a great man and the best science teacher a student could ever have.

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOUR FAMILY A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

I also just literally remembered... Rich is the reason I love roller coasters... I had a dibiliating fear of roller coasters... even just looking at them would cripple me.

He held my hand on every roller coaster at Six Flags to make sure I would never have regrets.

He is the reason I have very few fears as an adult.

Rich was a man that was a big impact on my life. I rode with him two summers in a row to California with the High school Group at St Mark's Church, on McGee, for the Sierra Service Project.

I was a rambunctious kid but he was very calming. He was always there to offer a smile and a joke.

I havent seen him since I moved away and joined the navy in the mid 90's...

He said two things to me on our first trip in 1991 that I repeat on a regular basis... I can still hear him say them...

1. Wear pastels on Wednesdays.

2. Don't eat the salad or spaghetti at Denny's. Both of them were made in the 50's. It's not healthy.

He was a kind soul that left this world way too soon!

I just saw you Rich with your lovely wife. I am so sorry to hear. Rich was not only a deeply loved and dedicated teacher, making a significant positive difference in the lives of each and everyone of his students, but he made a significant difference with his peers and colleagues. He contributed so much of himself to the Marana Unified School District science and technology programs. You could not ask for a kinder, more gentle person to deal with any school setting situation. Rich will be greatly missed. Prayers of comfort to Rich's family and friends as they grieve, as well as carry on his legacy.

He was my 8th grade science teacher. I remembered him as very dedicated to making class fun. Mountain View HS class of 1995.

Mr. Heilman was one of the best teachers ever and I was so heartbroken to hear he is no longer with us. I will always remember him as someone who obviously enjoyed teaching, and he always treated his students with kindness and respect. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in hopes that they find much comfort and love during this sad time.

He was one of my teachers. I'm Mariana class of 84. I'm so sorry for your loss! I pray God will wrap you in comfort and His love.

Mr. Heilman was an amazing teacher. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to be one of his students. My thoughs and prayers go out to his family. You made a difference Mr. Heilman! Thank you!!

I remember him well; he was one of my favorite teachers and brought science to life. You could just tell he was a genuine, good-hearted person. Prayers to his family and friends, I'm happy to have known and respected him.

Rich was always supportive and helpful as the head of our Science Department at Tortolita. He not only helped his fellow colleagues, but loved the school and students as well. It was an honor to work with him. Much love to his family.

My deepest condolences to the family. Rich and I did hall duty many times. I'm sure he will be missed.

Richard Heilman you will be missed!

Mr Heilman was an amazing teacher. I looked forward to his class everyday! He would replay recording from the WLS Morning Radio show in Chicago and that is how we started class. It's sad too see you gone big guy you are now resting in peace may god look over you! Thanks for the memories Mr Heilman!Jarrod Sanders

Me. Heilman was by far, one of my most favorite teachers! He made science fun and interactive, and he didn't treat us like children...he allowed us to be responsible for our own actions and grades. I had a rough time in 8th grade because I had a chronic illness and missed two straight weeks of school. He was more firm with me about my catching up than other teachers, but he was also realistic and sympathetic. He will be greatly missed by many!

I didn't know Sandi or Richard but I did work with his mother in law Shirley Wahl at DeGrazia. She loved Richard and told many cute stories about her daughter and Richard and what they were up to. The story how he picked up injured animals in the roadway is no surprise to me. Such a great loss at such a young age. Our deep condolences to his family!!!!!

I am so sorry to hear that Mr Heilman has passed away, he was an awesome teacher and one who cared. Please accept my condolences and know my prayers are with you all. God Bless. Wendy Spurbeck McGee

I was in Mr. Heilman's science class 29 years ago. I don't remember most of the teachers I had back then, but to this day I could tell you the lessons he taught and the stories he told almost verbatim...I even remember his voice so clearly. I'm so sad to hear this news and I wanted the family to know that I still think of this teacher 30 years later. My thoughts are with the family, Michele Summers (Simmons back then)

He was the first teacher that I had that made science fun. As I had just moved to Tucson from New England, I was very shy. He had a way of making the kids at ease and really engage and enjoy learning. I've never forgotten him. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Mr. Heilman was an amazing teacher that knew how to connect with his students. He taught my partner (class of 1990) myself (class of 1997) and our sons (class of 2010 and 2012) it's not often that one teacher touches the lives of every member of a family. Mr. Heilman did. When we heard of his passing we all sat around sharing memories of Mr. Heilman and how he touched each of us. Prayers and love from the Winsatt(Johnson)-Kincaid family.

Rich always had a smile and kind words.

My condolences to the family. Mr. Heilman is remebered fondly from my time at Tortilita MS.

I never got to know Rich but attended High school with Sandy. Knowing the lovely caring woman Sandy is speaks volumes about Rich. We spoke often via Facebook and over a 10 year period seeing pictures that were posted I felt the bond between Sandy and Rich. Know he was met at the gates of heaven by comforting smiles and the hands of God.

He was hands down the best science teacher. I learned so much from him. He taught more than science, but how to be a good person. I still remember him saying that he would stop to save animals in the road even after they passed, because every life deserves respect.

Rich always had a kind word to say and was very supportive of my efforts, I will always remember him fondly. He will be missed.

I still talk about him with my family and his lit matches. He was my most memorable science teacher. I send his family support and love. :(