Richard Douglas "Dick" Heater

1934 - 2016

Richard "Dick" Douglas Heater

October 6, 1934 - February 18, 2016

Stayton - Dick, 81, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 at his home in Stayton. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Mary Heater; his sisters, Margi Heater and Mary Rhodaback; his eight children; eighteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many close friends. Born October 6, 1934, the first child of Doug and Gloria (Weddle) Heater, he was a lifelong resident of Stayton. He initially lived with his parents at the Union Hill homestead and at a Detroit logging camp in the summers. His family settled onto Lone Pine Ranch on Siegmund Road in 1938. As a boy, Dick helped his Dad in the strawberry fields and began his life long appreciation of horses. Dick attended the one-room schoolhouse at Siegmund Road for his early grade school years. He continued at Stayton Public Schools and graduated in 1952. He attended two years at Oregon State University, where he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity and studied agriculture. His wife Mary Louise (Hottinger) wrote him a letter during his freshman year, and that led to their marriage on September 15, 1956, at St. Boniface Church. They lived in the "Little House" on the farm and started their family with their first son, Jeff, born in1957. They moved to the "Big House" in 1969 where they celebrated the birth of their last son, Scott. They lived on the farm with their eight children until the mid-1990's. These years are filled with stories of the Big Pond, winter sledding, berry bus vacations and many, many treasured memories. Dick farmed with his family through the 1970's, and managed the farm up until his death. In 1977 he helped build and then purchased one of the original Paymaster aerodynamic trucks. This truck began Dick's 30-year hauling career, traversing the continent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A rosary and vigil will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 1077 N. 6th Ave., Stayton, on Friday, February 26, at 5:00 pm. The funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 27 at Immaculate Conception Church A graveside service and celebration of Dick's life will follow the funeral service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Regis Foundation, 550 W. Regis St., Stayton, OR 97383. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.