Robert Stuart HEACOCK

Robert Stuart Heacock was born to Harold and Violet (Bulich) Heacock on July 8th, 1957, in Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA. Robert passed away July 5th, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones in Liberty Lake, WA, from a pulmonary embolism that resulted in cardiac arrest. Because of God's gracious love, he is now chatting with Lewis and Clark about their expedition and enjoying conversations with Father Serra and the other early Blackrobes who came to the Northwest, fulfilling his passion as a respected historian.

Robert grew up in the Tri-Cities area, graduating from Kamiakin High School, in Kennewick, WA, in 1975. He attended Columbia Basin College, in Pasco, WA, and then received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University in 1980. He also attended Eastern Washington University for Cost Accounting.

During his college years, Robert worked construction for Palouse Producers in Pullman as well as being a grain buyer in Whitman County in Washington State. After graduating, Robert began work in insurance claims and investigations when he moved to Veradale, WA. After downsizing, he moved to Liberty Lake, WA.

On November 12th, 1983, Robert married the love of his life Melanie Jane Jones in Colfax, WA. 1985, the happy couple welcomed their son, J. Ryan Heacock into the family.

In 2015, Robert completed his book "Wind Hard from the West, the Lewis and Clark Expedition on the Snake and Columbia Rivers". An avid historian, Robert enjoyed entertaining countless tourists with accurate facts on cruise boats navigating both the Snake and Columbia Rivers. He even found time to take trips on the Ohio River between St. Louis, MO and Pittsburgh, PA.

In his spare time, Robert was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to camp all over the Pacific Northwest and hike on the beautiful trails. He enjoyed boating local lakes and sailing the Puget Sound on wooden boats.

Robert attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, WA where he compiled a history of St. Mary Parish and made historical presentations of Father Junipero Serra and the Early Church in the Pacific Northwest. Robert was also active in the Knights of Columbus and Serra Club.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Violet Heacock. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Melanie; his son, Ryan and his wife, Annie; Rachelle (Taft) Kortus; Patrick (Dawn) Libey; his sisters, Barbara Jackson and Theresa Heacock; niece, Elizabeth Jackson; and nephews, William Jackson and Peter Jackson. Most notably, he is survived by 10 grandchildren, Elliotte and Greyson Kortus; Ryan, Reese, and Taylor (the Libey girls); and Hattie, Harlow, Hudson, Hazel, and Honor Heacock, all of whom were taught the art of eating ice cream by him.

The family is forever grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at Sacred Heart Medical Center and the paramedics who compassionately treated Rob until his last breath.

Robert will have a visitation on Friday, July 11th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, located at 1315 N. Pines. On Saturday, July 12th, the Rosery will be held at 10:30 am, at St. Mary Catholic Parish, located at 304 S. Adams, in Spokane Valley, followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

To share memories of Robert and leave condolences for his family, please visit his Tribute page at www.hennesseyvalley.com.