Rick I. Heetland

Rick I. Heetland

Rick Heetland Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 27 to May 29, 2005.
Rick I. Heetland, 52, of Scottsdale, owner of the Sphinx Date Ranch on Scottsdale Rd., previous owner of Bobby Branigan's Ice Cream Store, passed away peacefully at home from complications of ALS, Lou Gerhig's disease. Rick was a loving father, husband, grandfather and patriarch of the Heetland clan, a role which he embraced and relished. He had a passion for farming and enjoyed a hard day's work among his date trees in Buckeye. He was always fun to be with; everywhere you went with him, someone knew him. He is survived by Penny, his high school sweetheart and wife of 31 years; his sons, Jason (Emily), Eric and Brian, and his granddaughter Mercedes. He is also survived by his mother, Carolyn Matta and brothers Don (Holly), Jeremy (Robin), all of Minnesota, and sisters, Kristi Faust and Kari (Roger) Freer of Scottsdale. Rick was blessed with eight nieces and nephews: Katie, Alex, Tessa, Chad, Anna, Myles, Michael and Matthew. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Heetland. Rick was past president of the Scottsdale Jaycees, and rode with the Pony Express for many years. He also was past board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, charter member of Sunrise Rotary, and a lifetime member of the Scottsdale Charros. During his fight against ALS, Rick was lovingly cared for by Cathy Palmer of Hospice of the Valley, for which the family will be forever grateful. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 or to the ALS Research Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259. A memorial service will be held 10:00am, Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary.

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June 8, 2005

Jack and Barbara Bayersdorffer posted to the memorial.

June 5, 2005

Kim Lapham posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2005

Wendy & Ted Pitman posted to the memorial.

Jack and Barbara Bayersdorffer

June 8, 2005

Dear Penny and Family

We were so sorry to hear that Rick had passed away. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow and loss in your life.

Sincerely,

Jack and Barbara Bayersdorffer

Kim Lapham

June 5, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss. After losing my mother last year the pain is still very near the surface, but I know his suffering has ended though ours has just begun. Many thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Sincerely,

The Lapham Family

Wendy & Ted Pitman

June 2, 2005

Hi Penny - we are so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. We were out-of-town or we would have been at the services. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Don and Barbara Prior

June 2, 2005

Dear Penny,Jason and Emily, Eric, Brian,

We were out of town for a few days and returned to learn of Rick's death. We are very saddened, but know that his valiant struggle is over and he is at peace. Our prayers are with you and the family. We have many fond memories of earlier days and we know that it is those memories that you and the boys will hold close in your hearts.

Andy Tobin

June 2, 2005

I just received word of our loss. I am in NYC and was picking up messages while here. While visitng friends and old acquaintences, I was thinking about all the great people and leadership that came through our organization. Rick was certainly amoung the very elete. I am sorry that we have lost one of our finest and thank our Lord for sending him our way and allowing us to know him and that he was part of our lives.



My deepest sympathy's to a fine man and a wonderful family.



Andy Tobin and Family

Nikki Nesselroad

May 31, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Warm wishes,

Glen Vandervoort

May 31, 2005

Penny, Brian, Jason, Eric, & Family,



My deepest sympathies for the passing of Rick. He is in a better place now but his legacy will remain with all of us. He taught me much that I continue to use in his beloved date industry. I will always keep his infectious smile and forever positive outlook in my memeory.

Rest in Peace Rick

Gail Brown

May 31, 2005

All of you are in my prayers. Even though I only had the pleasure of meeting Rick once, that's all it took for him to touch my heart. You are truly blessed to have a wonderful spirit like Rick in your lives. Go with God today as you celebrate his life. Gail

Kris Preston

May 31, 2005

Penny,

My condolences to you and your family for your loss. My prayers are with you during this tough time. Thank God that Rick is in a better place now, with no more suffering. Please don't hesitate to call, we will be here to help you with whatever we can!

Kris Preston

Smith Barney

Chandler Jaycee COB & former Scottsdale Jaycee

Kimberly Lang

May 31, 2005

Jeremy, and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the wonderful memories you have of Rick sustain you until you're all together again.

Kim, Walt, Rick and Amanda Lang

Peggy and Betty Whitfield

May 30, 2005

Penny,boys and family

Our prayers are with you all.

Mom and I are so very grateful we were down earlier in the month and were able to visit with you. We have so many memories of the times shared with your family and hope that some of them may provide you with comfort and ease your sorrow.

Love Peg and Betty

Matt Vandervoort

May 30, 2005

My condolences to a friendly man and his family. It was good to have experienced his professional character and wisdom during the times at Western Date and even afterwards. Sorry to see him go this way. I know his belief in the Lord has given him eternal life. Matt V.

Helen McDill-Sheneman

May 30, 2005

Dearest Heetland Family:

I knew Rick growing up in Bloomington Minnesota. Kari and I were best friends in grade school and have a special bond to this day. I know how special Rick was to the family and want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

With Love & Peace, Helen (Martha, Bob, Janna, Mike & Josh too)

Donna Beamer-Houseal

May 30, 2005

Dear Eric,

I enjoyed reading all of the wonderful stories about your Dad. He obviously made a lasting impression on the individuals he encountered along his path. He sounds like someone I would have been happy to know. Peace to you and your family. Donna (Ryan's mom)

Bob & Mary Jo Brown

May 29, 2005

Penny - Although many years have passed, Bob and my thoughts often go back to our days with the Jaycees. Among our most fun and cherished memories are days with you and Rick, Lloyd, good old "Duke Dresser" and many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.

This picture was taken in January when all of us boys got to go visit my dads mom, thank you to everyone for your support he loved you all!! Eric Heetland

May 29, 2005

Judi Wergeland-Rammage

May 28, 2005

Penny and family

Aim sorry to here your husband passaway.My prayes and thoughs go to you and your family.

Kristen & Eric Ennis

May 28, 2005

Penny, Jason & Family,

We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We pray that God will grant you peace and healing during this difficult time. May the joyful memories of Rick's extraordinary life remain with you always!

Jerry Melberg

May 28, 2005

Dear Penny and family,

My deepest and most sincere sympathy in these days of uncertainty and sorrow.

I need not tell you what a great man Rick was to everyone he encountered, and to the family he adored. Everyone will truly miss Rick, but we know he is in the best care possible, and now shares his greatness with God.

God is with you too. And shares your grief.

With love and sympathy,

Jerry Melberg

Jayde Bartley

May 28, 2005

Penny, Jason, Eric, Brian~

My heart broke to hear about Rick's passing, but at the same time I know its for the best. I am glad that I was able to come see him last fall and say my goodbyes. He will always have a special place in my heart, he did more for me than he would ever know. He gave us all good memories to remember him by...I will always remember him with a smile and a warm heart. My thoughts and love are with all of you, I wish I could be there. Here's to Date Facials and Pecan Logs.....You will be in my heart always, Rick...You were one of a kind, the best kind.

~Jayde

Joanne Becker

May 28, 2005

Penny, Jason, Eric, and Brian,

I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a man who who gave true meaning to living life to the fullest. I will always treasure the seasons I worked at the date ranch - it gave me the chance to get to know Rick, and your family. His strong work ethic, his constant sense of humor, his immense love and pride for you all, and his bravery will always be remembered by everyone who knew him. Even though your time together was way too short, you have been so blessed to have had Rick in your lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark & Mary Williams

May 28, 2005

Penny and Family,

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.

We will always remember Rick for his golden smile, great wit and wisdom.

Ed Childers

May 28, 2005

Rick's passing is a loss to his family, his friends, and to the agricultural community in Arizona. For me, that loss is offset a bit when I remember that his suffering is over. I also recall that he leaves us with so many fond memories of his friendship and of his contributions to our communities. We are indeed fortunate to have known him.

Carol Smyth

May 28, 2005

Our sympathies to the Heetland family on Rick's passing. Each time we visited relatives in Arizona, we always went to your date store. You have the best dates (my grandson calls them "giant raisins") we've ever eaten & always had the best and most friendly service. God's blessing on your family.

Judy & Wayne Kreller

May 27, 2005

We were so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We think back on all those many years ago and smile when we think of Rick. He always had a smile and a gentle spirit about him. We know his many friends and loved ones will miss him. For us, among all the wonderful things Rick achieved in his short life, he will be most admired for the family he leaves behind. His loving and devoted wife Penny and his wonderful sons. May they take comfort in knowing that Rick is at peace and give thanks for a wonderful husband and father. God bless.

Bill Wagner

May 27, 2005

Penny, Currently in California and am sorry I wont be back in time for Rick's service. I will always remember and miss his relaxed smile and ability to help. As a past President and Parada Boss I always appreciated his support and guidance. We lost a good friend and a true ray of sunshine. I will forever be blessed for knowing him. My prayers are with you and your children. God Bless.

Patrick Oliver

May 27, 2005

Dear Penny and family,

We are sorry for your loss,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.We will miss you RICK.

(Patrick Oliver, past President of the Scottsdale Jaycees 2004,COB 2005)

terry blome

May 27, 2005

Penny nad family,

Rick and I had many great times growing up as cousins. I wish we could back up the clock and do it all over again. I don't have to tell you boys this but you have a great dad who was hard working and honest. Follw the pattern that he laid out for you and you will do very well inlife. thanks for the memories Rick Love Terry.

Brian Dolberg

May 27, 2005

Rick, although we haven't seen each other much over the past twenty years, I will simply miss you. When I first came to town in the summer of '81, you welcomed me into the Scottsdale Jaycees like a longtime friend. It was a pleasure working with you, visiting the date farm in Yuma, attending some fun Jaycee times in Payson, alot of great memories. You have a heart of gold, and we have all benefited from knowing you. God bless.

Brian "Doc" Dolberg

Amy & Nathaniel Washburn

May 27, 2005

We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many who love you.

John Rudolph

May 27, 2005

Penny and family,

So sad to hear the news. It has been many years since I ran into either of you, but it was great to get to know you in the 80's when my son Tyler played football with Brian and then our connection through the Jaycees. We'll miss you Rick, but your friendliness and spirit will live on.

Don Ghareeb #4102

May 27, 2005

He lived life with an ever present smile. Anytime I saw him, I was greeted with a firm handshake and a warm smile. I'm sure that's how he greeted God when he got to Heaven.

Ted and Gretchen Swanson

May 27, 2005

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We always hear about Rick and Penny from Robin and Jeremy. The thing I rememer most about Rick was his beautiful hair and his beautiful tan and his smiling face. Please remember that you are in our prayers and relish the memories.

Bill Snider

May 27, 2005

God Bless you Rick, the finest Chairman of the Board any JC President ever had.



We will all miss your warm smile and great sense of humor.

Frank & Marie DiBone

May 27, 2005

Dear Penny and family,

Our deepest condolences go to you and your family. Please know we are praying for you all while you grieve this wonderful man.

Ann Marie Young

May 27, 2005

Rick- God Bless You you are in a better place...no more pain & suffering.

Love Ann Marie Young-Bodenbach (Scottsdale Jaycee & past Parada Boss)& John Young past Scottsdale Jaycee (my brother).

Dwight Snider

May 27, 2005

Rick was a great friend and a great community leader. He was a living example of the Jaycee Creed, "Service to Humanity is the best work of life."

He will be sorely missed but not forgotten by the thousands of people whose lives he touched.

Loretta Coulson

May 27, 2005

Penny, so very sorry to read Rick's obit this morning. I will always remember him with fond memories from your ice cream store and date store. Many times he helped me make decisions for mailing. I am unable to attend his memorial service because I am now a full time care giver for Max. I will be thinking of you and your family. My love to you all.

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Sign Rick Heetland's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 8, 2005

Jack and Barbara Bayersdorffer posted to the memorial.

June 5, 2005

Kim Lapham posted to the memorial.

June 2, 2005

Wendy & Ted Pitman posted to the memorial.