Peter W. Heiman

Peter W. Heiman, a fixture at Weaver Street Market, died in his home on July 7, 2009. Peter was 79 years old, having been born on March 7, 1930, in Wurzburg, Germany. Peter and his family emigrated to the United States in 1938 due to the Refugee Crisis and settled in Washington Heights in New York City. Peter retired to Carrboro more than 25 years ago, devoting much of his time to his hobbies of cooking, gardening and his favorite, teaching Latin dance at the local community centers. Peter was a graduate of NYU, spending a long career in the New York City area as a flavor chemist creating such flavors as Keebler Fruit Cremes, Nacho Cheese Flavor in Doritos and various flavors for Continental Bakers. His love of food, excellent taste and fine nose prompted the creation of his cookbook, “The Ethnic Eater.” Peter is survived by his daughter, Heidi; and son-in-law, Robert Venier of Long Valley, N.J.; along with his cousin, Werner Bloch and his wife, Lillian of Sherman, CT. Over the years Peter was involved in many organizations including the Ronald McDonald House and Hospice. He was an usher at The ArtsCenter, a member of the Chapel Hill International Folk Dance Group and a member of the Visually Impaired Peoples club. He met many people sitting outside Weaver Street Market with a sign reading “I like company; how about a 5-minute conversation?” If you would like to give a donation in Peter’s honor, kindly do so to Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, 101 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or online at www.chapelhillrmh.net A celebration of Peter’s life will be held in the Carrboro area in the next few weeks. Details will be posted at Weaver Street Market. Peter’s family would like to thank all his friends, acquaintances, EZ Rider bus service and all those who had five minutes to say "Hi."