GARY DEAN HEIL

Heil, Gary Dean, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2011. Gary was born on June 15, 1952 in Fullerton, CA. A lifelong resident of Orange County, Gary graduated from Anaheim High School, class of 1970. He attended Fullerton College before serving in the U. S. Army as a Military Policeman from 1972 to 1974. Gary received his B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and worked for a short while in that field. He was soon drawn into Demolition Contracting business and worked for other companies before starting his own business, G. D. Heil, Inc., in 1992. Gary was well known in Southern California Construction Industry for his strong work and business ethics, as well as his positive attitude and professionalism.

On March 22, 1975 he married the love of his life, Laura Lee (Hood) Heil, and together they raised a wonderful family of three daughters, Dana Marisa Heil, Courtney Leigh McKeen, and Allison Nicole Martin. Gary was always a very supportive husband and father, participating in Laura's volunteer endeavors and encouraging his daughters in school, athletics and work. He embraced his two sons in law, Josh Martin and Myrran McKeen, when they joined the family and was totally overjoyed with his three grandchildren, Autumn Page Heil Carr, Cooper Lawrence Martin and Heiley Ray McKeen.

Gary was also an outstanding brother and friend to his sister, Peggy Heil Karcher, and a loving brother-in-law to Laura's sister, Kathi Short. He was a much loved uncle to each and every one of his many nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Christopher) Fox, Stacy (Mario) Borroto, Daryl (Ayumi) Hood, Kelly (Brian) Thatcher, Richard (Laura) Hood, Kilene Short, Elizabeth Karcher, Brian Short, Jessica Karcher, Carl J. Karcher and Betsy Short. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Karl E. and Yvonne Heil; parents-in-law, Bobbie E. and Lela Hood; and his brother-in-law, Bobbie E. Hood, Jr.

Gary loved to see the world. After graduating from high school, he and his buddy Alan drove around the U.S. for several months and the next year, he and his friends, Brian and Denny hitch-hiked for three months around Europe. Gary and Laura enjoyed many trips together, often marking special birthdays or anniversaries. He loved seeing England, Italy, France, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Tahiti, Greece, Turkey, Sicily, Hawaii and especially Egypt. Gary loved taking his family to Lake Tahoe for summer fun and winter skiing. He also pursued athletic endeavors by conquering Mt. Whitney with his friend Mark, enjoyed riding a street bike and working out with his personal trainer.

Gary loved the outdoors, especially enjoying trips to Yosemite. He recreated his own "Happy Heil Isle" in his backyard with a beautiful granite waterfall and fishing cabin for his grandchildren. He spent lots of his time working in his yard, enjoying every minute of it. Besides traveling, Gary always liked to have a good time. He and Laura opened their home on countless occasions for family and friends with family dinners and special event gatherings. Gary was a terrific host, making sure everyone was happy and entertained. He was an enthusiastic chef, trying new recipes on the BBQ and in the kitchen. Everyone loved his passion for food.

Gary touched many people throughout his life and will be well remembered as an outstanding friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to all who knew him. We love you and will never forget you.

A Memorial Tribute will be held on Friday, October 28 at the Doubletree Hotel, 100 The City Drive, Orange, CA beginning at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Assistance League of Orange, 124 S. Orange St., Orange, CA 92866. Hilgenfeld Mortuary

714-535-4105