Harvard K. Hecker

Hecker, Harvard K. Engineer, philanthropist and conservationist, died Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 97. Born September 14, 1915, he attended St. Louis Country Day School and Washington University, and graduated from MIT in 1938 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia; two sons, Bruce (Nedra), Clark (Mary) and nephew Clark (Lisa) Tewel; a granddaughter, Caroline, and grandsons Nicholas (Kathryn), Eric, Paul and Clarence. A daughter, Susan, died in 2000. Mr. Hecker was Vice President and chief design engineer of MEECO,Inc., a St. Louis company he founded in 1957. He was active in many conservation organizations, and was a founding member of the Wild Canid Sanctuary in Eureka, Missouri, and served as it its president; he was also a past board member of the Museum of Transport, Friends of the St. Louis Zoo and The Nature Conservancy, which presented him with the National Oak Leaf award in 1986. The famiIy is immensely grateful to the staff of Parc Provence for their compassionate care during Harvard's illness. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Wildcare Institute of the St. Louis Zoo, Government Drive, St. Louis 63110, or The Nature Conservancy, 2800 S. Brentwood Blvd., 63144. Service by Lupton.