Earl R. "Dick" Heavner

Earl Richard Heavner III of Richmond, Vermont passed away on November 17, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. His wife, Patti, their dogs, family and close friends were by his side.
Dick, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on April 27, 1958, to Earl Richard Heavner, Jr. and Patricia Heavner. The family moved to Burlington in 1967 where Dick grew up and lived the rest of his life.
Dick graduated from Burlington High School in 1976 where he was a standout pitcher and baseball player for four years. He then went on to play baseball for Castleton State College.
An avid skier, he left Castleton to pursue his dream of becoming a professional skier. He obtained his certification as a professional ski instructor and began his career at Mt. Snow. He then moved to Mt. Mansfield, Stowe becoming one of their top ski instructors. He was there for the next 15 years. He was sponsored by and worked for Rossignol Skis during this time. In the off season and for the next 38 years he worked at Pool World as an expert diver for leak detection.
An avid sportsman, Dick excelled in every sport he took up. Along with baseball and skiing, his other passion was fishing. He not only participated in sports but was a sports enthusiast, watching all kinds of sports on TV. A big fan of NASCAR, he frequented car shows and always dreamed of owning a Mustang. He was a gardener and a great cook; smoking meats on his "green eggs."
Dick was married to the former Patti Bullis and theirs is a love story that began in elementary school. Their paths diverged but they reconnected in the late 1980's and married in 1992. They settled in Richmond, VT and were married for 33 years. They were and always will be soulmates; devoted to each other in every possible way. Together they raised ten dogs, nine of them rescues, nurturing them and giving them a loving home. Both pet lovers, their home was a menagerie of dogs, cats, and tropical fish.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Patricia. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and most of all, a devoted husband to Patti. He leaves behind two sisters, Christine Heavner (Tom Gibson) of Essex Junction, VT and Vicki Cody (Richard) of McLean, VA; 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a kind and compassionate human being with a great sense of humor who was content with his life in every aspect.
Yours was a long struggle, Dick, and may you now rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life for Dick will be held on Saturday November 22, 2025, from 2 pm to 4pm at Ready Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel 68 Pinecrest Road Essex Jct VT.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UVM Home Health and Hospice.
Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral And Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com.