Manfred Heimann

1943 - 2022

Manfred (Dick) Heimann

August 31, 1943 -

September 27, 2022

Manfred (Dick) Heimann, long-time resident of Medford, Oregon, passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, surrounded by his close family. He was born in Shanghai, China on August 31st, 1943, son of Kurt and Lotte Heimann. He immigrated to the United States with his family at age five and grew up in Denver, Colorado. After receiving degrees in Biology and German from the University of Colorado, he married the love of his life, Mary Kleinman in Denver, Colorado.

Dick began his career in the automotive industry with Chrysler Corporation, which led him and Mary to the Rogue Valley in 1970 to partner with Sid Deboer at Lithia Motors, Inc. as General Manager and Vice President of Lithia Dodge. Together Sid and Dick grew the business to include 5 stores and 19 franchises in Southern Oregon. "Alongside Sid, the dynamic duo built the foundation of Lithia Motors and then led Lithia to who they are today," wrote Brian Deboer, President and CEO of Lithia Motors, Inc. In December of 1996 Dick and Lithia Motors President, Sid DeBoer, took Lithia Motors, Inc. public, trading on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1997 he was promoted to President and then to Vice Chairman of Lithia's Board of Directors in 2006 and served in this capacity until his retirement from Lithia Motors.

Dick and his wife Mary were instrumental in building the Jewish community of Southern Oregon. Supporting various religious and humanitarian causes in Southern Oregon, and beyond, is only part of what made Dick so beloved by those who knew him. Dick's giving was prominently on display every holiday season in Medford as he bought up Christmas trees and gingerbread houses to support our local hospital and performing arts center.

His passion for serving the underserved and giving back to his community ran deep with his and his wife's most recent donation to Medford's Asante Foundation for their regional cancer center building. Dick was quoted as saying "For the community that we love, we wanted to do something that will leave a legacy. The services and conveniences will provide excellence in medical care within this facility and will have a tremendous impact on so many people."

He had a special ability and sincere interest in connecting with people anywhere, and from any background. He was a mentor and friend to countless people and making those connections brought him a tremendous amount of joy. His infectious optimism, sense of humor and never quit work ethic will always be remembered.

Dick was a dedicated husband and son, loving and patient father, goofy and proud grandfather, beloved uncle and protective brother. Dick's legacy of humility and kindness will live on in his children and grandchildren, and their memories of him will always be a blessing.

Dick leaves behind Mary, his wife of 53 years, his children Nicole Heimann Sacks (Robert) of Portland, Oregon and Illisa Heimann Polis (Eric) of Las Vegas, Nevada, his grandchildren Jacob Sacks, Kylie Polis, and Adina Polis, his sister Giselle Heimann Ratain (Mark) of Chicago, Illinois and his nephews Jonathan Heimann Ratain and Bruce Heimann Ratain (Hannah) and Isaac Heimann Ratain of Chicago, Illinois, Adam Oderberg, Joey Oderberg, Eli Oderberg (Katie), Everlee Oderberg, William Oderberg of Denver, Colorado, and his brother in law and sister in law Nathan and Bonnie Oderberg of Denver, Colorado. Dick was put to rest in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, October 2nd.

To honor Dick donations can be made to the Mary and Dick Heimann Caner Center at www.asantefoundation.org\donate or call 541-789-5025.