R. Stephen Heinrichs

1947 - 2016

R. Stephen Heinrichs

R. Stephen (Steve) Heinrichs, Porsche historian and private investor, died on September 4 after a long illness. He was 69.

Steve was born on February 6, 1947, in Fresno, the only child of Pauline and Richard Heinrichs, grew up in Reedley, and graduated from Reedley High School. In his early 20s, he bought his first Porsche, which led to a lifetime love of the car and its history, and his close association with the Porsche factory and headquarters in Germany. In 2004, Steve organized a 50th anniversary celebration of the Speedster in Carmel, California, bringing together Speedsters and their owners from all over the world for a once-in-a-lifetime event. He later co-organized another Porsche gala as a fundraiser for lung cancer. Steve was instrumental in producing two meticulously researched books about the Speedster and coauthored an authoritative volume about the Porsche 4-cam motor and the early years of Porsche motorsports.

As an undergrad at Fresno State, where he earned a B.A. in accounting, Steve joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, and developed a close relationship with the fraternity on both the national and local levels that lasted his lifetime. He served for a number of years on Sigma Chi's Leadership Training Board, on the international fraternity's executive committee, and was elected to the office of International Treasurer (Grand Quaestor). Because of his integrity, Steve never waivered from what the fraternity stood for.

Steve's professional life as a CPA took him from partner at Arthur Anderson to executive positions at private companies, including Teknekron and Tenera. He served on the board of directors of several companies and nonprofits, including PDF Solutions, the Capuchin Franciscan finance board, and the Board of Governors at California State University, Fresno.

Above all, Steve was an exemplary husband, father, and friend, a strong individual of conviction and curiosity. He was a clear and insightful thinker with a dry and piercing wit. Steve was a connoisseur of fine wine, rooted for the 49ers, and was especially proud of his boyhood years as an Eagle Scout.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Dorothy; his two sons, Jamie and Dan; his daughter-in-law, Shannon; three grandchildren, Erin, Kylie, and Vance; and numerous friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Burlingame, California, at 11 a.m. on October 8.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the lung Cancer Society, The Capuchin Franciscans 1345 Cortez Ave, Burlingame, Ca. 94010 or a charity of your choice.