Henry d'Arcy Heck of Norfolk, Virginia, son of Harold J. and Suzanne Holt Heck, died on Oct. 13, 2014 of multiple myeloma. Mr. Heck was born in Bryn Mawr, PA, on April 18, 1939, attended Catholic elementary and high schools in New Orleans, Princeton University (AB with honors, 1961), and Northwestern Univ. (Ph.D., 1964), where he was a National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow. He was an NSF fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Physical Chemistry, Germany, Asst. Professor of Chemistry at the Univ. of California, Berkeley, and analytical chemist at Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, CA. Mr. Heck subsequently spent 22 years at the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, Research Triangle Park, NC. He was an author of over 100 scientific articles and reviews, and he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Society of Toxicology journal, Toxicological Sciences. He also mentored several postdoctoral students, who went on to successful careers in analytical toxicology. Survivors include Mercedes Casanova, his wife of 30 years, daughter Katherine, husband Dan Troy, and grandchildren, Owen and Douglas, all of Davis, CA; daughter Julia, husband Brian, and grandchildren, Josephine and Elodie, all of Lynchburg, VA; step-son John Schmitz of Arlington, VA; and step-daughter Lara Schmitz and step-grandchildren, Nathanael and Nicholas, of Columbia, SC. Mr. Heck is also survived by one brother, Thomas, of Santa Barbara, CA, his wife, Anne, and their children and grandchildren. Mr. Heck together with his wife, Mercedes, was an avid sailor, and they shared a mutual interest in genealogical and historical research in France and Spain. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and/or to Symphonicity of Virginia Beach.

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Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Heck

15 Entries

Edna Mangum

October 23, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Henry's passing. It was a pleasaure to know and work with Henry and you at CIIT. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Michael McNulty

October 21, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family,
I was very sad to hear the news of Henry's passing. I fondly recall my days as a post-doc in his lab, working with both of you and learning so much. I have such wonderful memories of those days. Henry was such a pleasure to be around, and such a brilliant mind. My sincere condolences.

Doug Keller

October 20, 2014

Dear Mercedes,
I was fortunate to spend two years in the lab with Henry starting in 1986, and it launched my career. I'm grateful for what you and he gave me during that time.

Twenty-six years later we shared the shock and challenges of dealing with multiple myeloma. As you said, it brought the family closer, and showed us how many true friends we have. I'm sorry he lost his battle so soon, but it was a good fight.

I'm proud to have known Henry, and you, for you brought out the best in him. I wish him peace, and send love to you from me and Patsy.

Skip & Bette Rae Bevan

October 17, 2014

Mercedes and family, Skip and I were sad to learn of Henry's passing. Although we did not know him long, he was a gentle soul and we will miss him. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Skip and Bette Rae Bevan

Melinda Boyd

October 16, 2014

Dear Julia, Mercedes, and the rest of the family,

I have been Julia's friend for over 20 years. I know how much she loved her father and I know what a good man he was. I know how much his suffering and death has hurt you all. All my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Byron Butterworth

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and Family,
Amy and I were deeply saddened to hear that Henry had passed away. He had an amazing scientific career. Your ability to work together and all that you accomplished must be a source of pride and comfort for you. We appreciated your friendship and insight both at CIIT and after we had left. Know that our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Fondly, Byron Butterworth and Amy Johnson

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family:
It was with great sadness that I learned of Henry's passing. I hope in the days ahead you and your family will be comforted by recalling many happy occasions with Henry. I really appreciate the opportunity I had to work with Henry and you at CIIT. Henry was extraordinary intelligent and it was always a pleasure to interact with him. Henry set high standards for himself and others and helped others achieve those standards. He was a fine mentor and colleague. I will always recall his mild manners, his unflappable nature and his unique pleasant smile with a tilt of his head. I especially recall that smile when he was talking about his passion for sailing or his family. I know my life was made richer by having had the opportunity to share some time on the path of life with Henry.
Roger O. McClellan, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Elizabeth Barnhill

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family,

I was so saddened to learn of Henry's passing. It was a pleasure to know and work with him at CIIT. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief.

October 15, 2014

Heidi and I were saddened to hear that Henry passed away. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Mercedes.
Mark Vasiloff

Jacqueline Walden

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and Family:
With my Deepest Sympathy to hear of
Dr. Heck's passing. So many memories of you and Henry...My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Jackie Walden (CIIT)

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and Family: Our great loss of a true friend and colleague but a rich gain for his heavenly partners forever. Fond memories of our times together with blessings to all. Sincere sympathy and condolences to Family and Friends. Fantastic editor and gentleness remembered for always. Love, Mary & Bob Beauchamp

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family,
We are so sad to hear of this. We always enjoyed your friendship and everything you brought to our sailing adventures, especially with Hampton Roads Fleet 30.
Jim and Laurie Dombey
s/v Cool Change II

Linda Smith

October 15, 2014

Dear Mercedes and family:
So sorry to hear of Henry's passing - many memories of Henry from CIIT - keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill and Cheryl Steinhagen

October 15, 2014

Mercedes,
So sorry to hear of Henry's passing. Many fond memories of both of you from our days at CIIT.

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