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Christopher Heller Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Heller
Cindy (Caccavale) King
October 18, 2024
Dr. Christopher Heller , back in 1976 was my Doctor. He was by far the Ultimate Best I could ever have!!! He saved my life ! I was admitted to St. Joeseph´s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona with a left leg twice its size. Dr. Heller was assigned to me... Come to find out I had a DVT the size of a fifty cent piece!!! I was in the hospital for 1month . Died and was revived, Praise the Lord !!! But Dr. Heller was the Very Best !!! He took such good care of me. I will Never Forget him ... I was 17 at the time of my first DVT . Thank You Dr. Heller for a 2nd chance at life !!!
Jane Bakos
August 2, 2024
We still miss you! Always in our hearts!
Allie Suzanne
June 11, 2018
I was only 16 in 1986 when he removed a benign tumor from my thyroid at TMC in Tucson, Az. I remember him having a wonderful smile and disposition. My parents always remembered him with gratitude and warmth because of the way he made them feel supported and reassured about their daughter going in for major surgery. My mom said she will always remember him happily springing into the room with the news that the tumor wasn't cancerous. That says a lot about how he felt about his patients and about him as well! :)
Mady Wolsfeld (Wagenborg)
January 10, 2011
Dr Heller
Herman Moore
September 24, 2010
Chris was a good doctor, good surgeon and good man. One could not ask for more.
Rhonda Polston
August 27, 2010
Brian and family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I worked with Dr. Heller and he was my surgeon. A great man. Bless you all.
Cindy Rubbo
August 14, 2010
I worked at St Joes on 2 South and then in surgery from 74 to 85. I met Dr Heller on the post surgery floor, 2 South I was and aide. I remember meeting him and immediately knowing he was larger than life and a very respected member of the medical community. As I continued and took care of many of his patients and then in surgery I always admired his compassion and kindness. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I have wondered for many years how he was faring after the cancer was found. I am so happy he had a continuing fruitful life for that long. He is in my prayers and my condolences go to his family. He is well again and at peace. Regards, Cindy Rubbo
J.D. Martin
August 14, 2010
Dear Hellers, I will never forget the many great times with your family. Your Father was the first person to teach me how to shoot a pistol on the ranch in the Chiricahua Mountains. I remember him always having time for whoever he was speaking with, very patient,caring and calm. God bless you all during this time and moving forward, Thanks for being so kind to me when I was a young. My thoughts are with you all. Take Care J.D. & Ardemis Martin Family
Jane Bakos
August 13, 2010
I have known Dr. Heller for almost 30 years, although it hardly seems possible. As a fabulous surgeon at St. Joseph's, he 'mentored' me to be a better administrator, as an innovative and creative businessman he taught me that you can take your life down new paths, and as a colleague he always supported me and showed me the true meaning of friendship! Chris was a kind, honest and generous person. When I returned to Tucson, he took me to lunch at one of his favorite restaurants; it was Asian food and I was too embarrassed to tell him I didn't think I liked Asian....after studying the menu for several minutes trying to find something I might eat, he looked across the table and said, 'let me just order for you!'...problem solved!
He always gave me an update on his family and what each of his children were doing...as he beamed with pride!
Geneva, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know he watches, still with pride and love, from just a little bit further away!
Fondly,
Pat Solvas
August 13, 2010
I had the privilge of working with Dr. Heller as a PACU nurse and later as a case manager at St. Joseph's. He gave his all in each area and was highly respected. He had high expectations of himself and of others and so he made me want to be a better person and nurse. My sincere sympathy and prayers go to you, the family he loved so dearly, and to the people's lives he's touched through the years.
Sincerely, Pat Solvas,RN,NCM
Beatrice Lippel
August 12, 2010
Dear Geneva and family,
It seems just a few months ago that Bert and I ran into Dr. Heller outside of St. Joe's and reminisced about how he had anticipated, long ago, everything the government is now demanding. Bert asked about Amy whom he photographed long ago when she was still a leggy teenager.
We were so glad to see him looking so well and were touched that he remembered us as well.
We will always remember the yearly barbecues at the farm and your gracious hospitality.
He was everyone's friend and mentor; and treated us all as his extended family. He never failed to make time for anyone who asked his advice on a personal medical problem.
I will not be able to be with you at the memorial service, but know that you are all etched on my heart. We will miss him.
Bea and Bert Lippel
evie,tom corley
August 10, 2010
dear Geneva and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dr. Heller was a wonderful doctor, gentleman, husband and father. Martha kept us up-to-date of all of you and we felt like we were still living in tucson and hearing great things of Dr. Heller.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you
love
tom and evie corley
spokane, wa
Kelly Field
August 10, 2010
Chris Jr and Family--my sympathies are extended in the loss of your father. I know the treasured memories will carry you thru.
John Myers
August 10, 2010
Dear Geneva and family , I was very saddened to hear of Dr Heller's passing. My condolences to you, and your family.
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr Heller since 1993. We will all miss him very much.
As others have said, his legacy will live on.
Nestor DeCastro
August 10, 2010
Dear Heller Family,
It's been over twenty years since I've seen Chris Jr or Dr Heller but growing up knowing Chris and Dr Heller was a pleasure. Dr Heller was a great man and he was an inspiration to many youngsters. He always took the time to talk to us as kids and share some uplifting thoughts. He will be missed by many and the world lost a friend. My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family.
Sincerely,
Nestor DeCastro
Bianca Marks
August 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Amy and the Heller family during this time of difficulty. It was a pleasure to have met Dr. Heller. His spirit lives on in the many lives he has touched.
God bless,
Bianca Marks & Family
Laurel & Tim Pennick
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Tim and I have been fortunate enough to share in the Heller's Family hospitality and kindness. Chris's spirit will stay alive and spread through his wonderful wife, sons and extended family. Our thoughts are with you.
August 10, 2010
Dr. Heller was an incredible man, we were all blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of at this profound time of loss.
Matt Seifert
August 9, 2010
It was such an inspiration to have Mr. Heller as a friend. Every conversation was like talking to my best friend...like talking to my dad. After seeing Mr. Heller everyday at the Growing Grounds, it's hard not to see his face in the garden. I will miss you Mr. Heller. Thank you for everything you have done for me. You will never be forgotten in my heart.
Jim and Glenda Wilkes
August 9, 2010
The Jim and Glenda Wilkes family was privileged to live next to Chris and Geneva Heller for 20+ years and will always remember the generosity they extended to us. Dr. Heller had more than one occasion to use his medical skills on members of our family. His genuine concern was so comforting to us. Chris and Geneva seemed to look for ways to help their neighbors -- vegetables from their garden and a hook-up to their well when ours was down come to mind. Chris was a multi-talented man, yet was never too busy nor too tired to be a good neighbor. We send our love to his family members and will always remember his kindness. Jim and Glenda Wilkes
Homer & Mary Grace Wade
August 9, 2010
Dear Geneva and your children,
May your memories of your husband and father comfort all of you during this most difficult time.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mary Grace and Homer
Sister and husband of Sally and Tony Heller
Leslie Lovejoy
August 9, 2010
Dear Amy and the Heller family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was a great man. I treasure the memories I have of growing up down the street from you all. May you find peace and feel the love of the community for you and your family all around you.
Sincerely, Leslie
August 9, 2010
My condolences to the Heller family. I worked for Dr. Heller for many years and appreciated his patience and wisdom over the years. Sincerely, Bill Gaither
Thomas McGreevy
August 9, 2010
Thank you, Dr. Heller, for providing me with an excellent and meaningful career opportunity. And thanks for your patience and guidance in mentoring a new generation of leaders in healthcare-related professions.
August 9, 2010
Tucson has lost a wonderful human being. I worked at St. Joseph for 12 years along with his son Chris. Dr.Heller always put a smile on my face whenever I would pass him in the hallways, and would pop into our transportation dept. just to say hi. I will truly miss him and his warm smile. My love and prayers go out to Chris and the entire Heller family. Jo Chandler, Central Point, Oregon
Katrina Mullinax
August 9, 2010
So sorry to hear about Chris's passing, may you all have the strength necessary to make it through this difficult time. Chris was truly a wonderful man, and those of us who were lucky enough to have him as a doctor will always remember and appreciate his care, kindness and generosity.
August 9, 2010
Brad,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dad. It's been a long time, hope you are well despite this difficult time.
Best,
Tim Torrington
Jeromy Randels
August 9, 2010
I am very sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Heller. I feel proud to say that I was an employee of the wonderful company that he founded for 9 years. I could always ask Dr. Heller about anything and he always stopped what he was doing to listen. My families thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Bonnie Worthman
August 9, 2010
Geneva and Amy,
Staci and I will keep you in our prayers. Chris was a very nice and kind man. May God be with you.
John Schieffer
August 9, 2010
So very sorry to hear about the death of your Dad, Brian.
Thinking about you and your family at this time.
Nancy Harris
August 9, 2010
Dear Geneva and family: I was so saddened to hear of your loss of Chris. He was truly and gentle man. It was an honor to know him. I send my love and prayers to all. Nancy Harris
Salpointe Catholic High School
August 9, 2010
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends our deepest sympathy to Dr. Heller's family and friends. You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Patty Williams
August 9, 2010
I am saddened by the news of Dr. Heller's passing. He has certainly left his mark on healthcare and the world is a better place because of him. His legacy shall continue.
Melissa Griebel
August 9, 2010
Scott,
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Melissa Griebel & Susan Dunn
August 8, 2010
Dear Geneva, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Dr. Heller. My condolence to you and the children.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Harold L. Pieper
Barbara Schork
August 8, 2010
It was my great pleasure and privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Heller for eight years at MIDAS+. I will remember him always with affection and great respect as a kind, caring and brilliant man.
My condolences and prayers go out to you.
Darryl Wong
August 8, 2010
Dr. Heller, our "Country Doctor", was a man who always left a lasting impression in people. Our family offers our deepest condolence to the family and may he rest in peace.
The Wong Family
Donna Goldberg
August 8, 2010
I was a patient of Dr. Heller's 30 years ago. He was the most compassionate, caring doctor I have ever encountered. My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.
scott
August 8, 2010
He was not just an incredible dad. He was my friend. I miss him so much. He will always be in my heart.
Sherrry Jacobs
August 8, 2010
Dr. Heller always made me smile & feel at ease. He was a joy, and never failed to be kind & inspirational to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed.
Peace and comfort for his wonderful family.
Penny Hall & Family
August 8, 2010
Geneva and family,
Remembering you in our thoughts and prayers and may God's loving arms enfold you at this difficult time and always.
With deepest sympathy,
Barbara McCracken
August 8, 2010
Dear Geneva and family,
Although I have never met you, I have heard the wonderful stories of your family through Roger and Pamela for many years. I am Roger's sister.
Several years ago, a close nurse friend of over 40 years told me about a workshop she went to in Phoenix which was a program designed by a M.D. from Tucson. Just on impulse, I said, " What is his name" and of course, it was Dr. Chris Heller. I told Ann of my knowledge of this surgeon and we have marveled over the connection all these years as both she and I live here in Vancouver, Washington.
Ann had high words of praise for this program and I believe met your son there, too.
Roger and Pamela have kept me informed of this illness and I was so hopeful (as I am certain you were) that there would be a miracle.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and throughout the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Barbara Harlan McCracken
Peter Crowe
August 8, 2010
Franny and I are so saddened to hear that Chris has gone. He was an absolutely first class individual and a pleasure to know from the day he arrived in town. All of the Tucson medical community was amazed at his toughness and resilience in the face of his cancer years ago.
He is a man who will be missed by many.
Our most heartfelt sympathy goes to Geneva, the kids, and grandchildren.
Peter and Franny Crowe
Ruth Furfaro
August 8, 2010
I also have fond memories of working with him at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was always uplifting, caring and most of all, extremely great with his patients. I pray for peace and comfort for you, his wonderful family. He will be greatly missed.
Pat Klinger
August 8, 2010
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Dr. Heller's passing. He was a joy and inspiration to work with. I have fond memories of him.
Love and Prayers to Your Family-
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