Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jeffrey Heath Obituary
Nov. 1, 1965
April 2, 2012
Jeffrey Earl Heath died at his residence on April 2, 2012 with his wife and children by his side due to complications of an earlier illness from March, 2009. Jeff was born November 1, 1965 to Donald Wayne Heath and Barbara Beesley Heath at William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Texas. Although born in El Paso, Jeff was baptized at Trinity Episcopal Church in 1966 and belonged to Saint Stephens Episcopal Church for many years. Jeff attended Hunter Lake Elementary, Swope Junior High School and Reno High School graduating in 1983. He went on to attend the University of Nevada Reno, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Science in 1988. While a student at Nevada, Jeff was elected to the Student Senate and was President of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was also a member of the esteemed Coffin & Keys society. He later graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon then returned to Reno and eventually owned a successful bankruptcy law practice until the time of his illness.
Jeff was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Earl Charles Heath and Violet Susich Heath, maternal grandparents Edward Maurice Beesley and Audrey Maymon Beesley, and brother Robert Goss. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughters Marisa, Karynna (Will), son Tommy, daughter Victoria and son Bobby. He is further survived by his parents Donald Heath (Laurie) and Barbara Goss (Hal), brother Chris Heath (Christina), sister Jill Velazquez (Salvador), brothers Michele Heath (Kaye, fiancée), Adam Heath and Jason Heath, sisters Kate (Matt) and Alice, brothers Patrick (Angie) and Vincent. Surviving uncles and aunts include Dale (Jeanne) Heath, Maurice Beesley, Norman Beesley (Jill) and Nanette Brown. Cousins are Eden (Matthew, fiancé), Kim, Kellee, Riegan and Byron. Nieces and nephews include Lexi, Jacqueline, Nicholas and Elena.
Jeff lived his life with love, decency, kindness and was beloved and respected by all that knew him. He was at his best in his treasured role as father. His five children could not have asked for a better nor more loving dad. Incredibly bright and funny, he was as fair a man as we have ever known.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Heath
Sponsored by In ZAX, John Blauth.
LaRee
April 2, 2020
Thinking of you today. I have fond memories of Jeff, and he gave me the gift of knowing his dear family and friends. ❤
Robert Maddox
June 5, 2013
Jeff worked in our pediatric office when he was a teenager and always brought a smile to work. He remains one of my all time favorite colleagues. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send my belated condolences to Barbara and his family. I know he will be missed.
Steve Dunn
May 8, 2012
I knew Jeff at Hunter Lake, Swope and Lambda Chi. We weren't close friends and i hadn't seen him since college, say since around 1990 but i always recall Jeff as jovial, kind and funny, but one word to summarize Jeff in my memory would be 'Regal'. He always came across to me as exceptional. Rest in Christ's peace Jeff.
Deena Blackburn
April 19, 2012
I too worked with Jeff at the Peppermill. I always admired his passion for life. His jovial personality brought joy to those around him. My prayers go out to his family. He will truly be missed!
Rena Gamilis
April 17, 2012
I knew Jeff when we worked together at the Peppermill so many years ago. He was enthusiastic about life and it was contagious to all around him. You always felt like you could learn something new everytime you talked with him. My heart goes out to his entire family.
April 17, 2012
Dear LaRee,
That was just beautiful! Thank you very much. You have provided us with so much comfort at this time.
Love,
Hal and Barbara
LaRee Sankovich
April 16, 2012
I've been trying to collect my thoughts about the loss of Jeff, and well, the words seem to make it all feel so final. As many of you know, I loved him dearly. He believed in me. He encouraged me to go to college and become a teacher. My years with him were filled with happiness, and some tears. Looking back at the letters, cards, and photos, reminds me of how good he made me feel. He was devilishly handsome, wickedly smart, silly, and inherently a good guy. I knew that he would be an excellent parent one day. Our dogs and cat loved him affectionately. Our story did not end with a fairy-tale like ending, but we both went on to have happy families and children of our own. I believe our lives were both a bit richer for having spent the time we did together. I feel truly sorry for his wife, children, siblings, friends, and parents. They will, and have for some time now, missed his smile and warm nature. I hope the thought that he is finally at peace in heaven, gives them as much comfort as it does me. I can't wait to get together in June, and give him a proper send off.
Love always,
LaRee
Or as Jeff would say "Kitty"
April 15, 2012
Dear Drew,
Thank you so much for your thoughts on Jeff. It means so much to me that people out of his past, who really knew him can say so many nice things about him. It meant so much to me. Thank you.
Barbara and Hal
April 14, 2012
Dear All who have written about Jeff or will in the future,
Thank you for all your thoughts. You cannot know how comforting it is to know of your love and regard for him. He was our beloved son and he was just as special as you all remember. You have given us such comfort. We hope to have a celebration of his life on June 30, in Reno and will publish information in the paper in time for you to make plans to join us, if you wish.
Love,
Barbara and Hal Goss and entire family
Angela Antinoro
April 13, 2012
My sympathy to the Heath family. Will there be a memorial service for him?
April 13, 2012
Barbara, My dear friend over the past several years I have been comforted, and learned many lessons from the example of the way you live your life. May you now find that you can lean on me as well as the many friends you've made in our recovery.
Marilyn Markovich
Derek McKenzie
April 13, 2012
Barbara, Chris, and Jill - My thoughts with you and your families. Jeff (and Chris) was a great companion while living on Lancelot.
Drew Pelter
April 13, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jeff's family and friends. I grew up through high school and college knowing him as my close friend's big brother. He was always friendly and treated us much better than underclassmen were used to. He was a great guy from a truly special family.
Anne Cates
April 13, 2012
Barbara
Please forgive me for my loss of words at this time. I will be praying for you and your family. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Carl and Jean Koizumi
April 13, 2012
To all members of the Heath, Beesley, and Goss families,
We were extremely sorry to learn of your loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies. We hope you find comfort in your memories of Jeff's exemplary accomplishments, warm personality, and reputation for fairness and decency.
Rhonda Allison
April 12, 2012
I knew Jeff from UNR/Lambda Chi Alpha days. The smile on his face was always contagious! Although we lost touch after college, I fondly remember our friendship and kept up-to-date on his life through mutual friends. Please accept my most sincere sympathy.
Helen Nolte
April 12, 2012
Barbara, our hearts have been with you throughout this journey. We continue to surround you with our prayers and love.
April 12, 2012
Barbara, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vcikie Scott
Mike Fleiner
April 11, 2012
Jeff was my best friend and I loved him like a brother. I will never forget all of the awesome experiences that we had together. I know you are in a better place my friend. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Harley La Roche
April 11, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Andy Warren
April 10, 2012
Jeff was my classmate and neighbor from elementary school through high school. Some of the best memories I have of Reno High was Jeff riding to school with us in the mornings and riding along at lunch. He was truly a great guy. My sympathy to his loved ones.
Roberta Ann Grinsell
April 10, 2012
I am saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. My prayers are with all of you.
Eileen Missall
April 10, 2012
All my condolences to your family. You made the world a better place.
Very handsome photo of Jeff!
April 9, 2012
Bill Tomany
April 9, 2012
Rest in Peace Jeff
I extend my Sympathy to those you leave behind
April 9, 2012
I remember Jeff as a very good student and a great kid in one of my Spanish classes at Swope Middle School. Angela Whited
Rich Crowell
April 8, 2012
Jeff and I were fraternity brothers in Lambda Chi, where we met. Jeff was great to be around, smart, with a wonderful sense of humor and a fun outlook on life. I can appreciate that he would be such a kind and loving parent, that fits Jeff! We all share your pain and sorrow for Jeff's passing.
Anne-Marie Kinne Hoppe
April 8, 2012
I have very fond memories of Jeff from our UNR days in ASUN. I have thought of him often through the years. I'm sorry for your loss.
Anne-Marie Kinne Hoppe
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Jeffrey Heath's name
Memorial Events
for Jeffrey Heath
How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jeffrey Heath's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
