Richard Allen Heck

Richard Allen Heck passed away peacefully at Haven Health in Globe, Arizona, on Friday, August 30th, after a long struggle with Cerebellar Ataxia he developed as a result of his service in the Gulf War.

Richard was born in Long Beach, California on April 25, 1945, to Marvin and Maxine Heck. The middle child of three children, Richard was 11 when his father passed away in a tragic accident. His mother eventually moved the family to Tucson, Arizona. In 1967, Richard met Estella Madrid in Globe, Arizona while working as a truck driver. He and Estella were married on June 29th, 1968, and had three sons: Chris, Steve, and Brian Heck, and one daughter, Veronica Madrid.

After serving with the US Navy from 1963 to 1967 Richard was honorably discharged and joined the Army National Guard. He was very proud of his military service and enjoyed participating in Guard activities and drills. Richard was an SP5 in the “Kings of Transportation” unit, which specialized in setting up mobile refueling stations in desert like environments. In 1990, when Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm required his unit’s expertise, Richard didn’t hesitate to serve.

Throughout Richard’s career he was an underground miner at the Magma Copper Company in Superior, Arizona as well as a police officer and firefighter for the Town of Miami, Arizona. He spent many years working as a corrections officer at prisons in Florence and Globe, Arizona, and retired from the State of Arizona.

When he wasn’t working or serving in the National Guard, Richard enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, and tinkering with things in his workshop. Richard also loved to dance at family gatherings and was an avid Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks fan. After it became difficult for Richard to walk without a walker, he enjoyed playing games on his computer and iPad.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother (“Grandma Max”), father (Marvin Heck), sister (Beverly Welsh), and brother (Jim Heck). He is survived by his wife, Estella; daughter, Veronica (aka “Roni”), and sons, Chris (Gaby), Steve (Tina), and Brian (Michael), along with four granddaughters: Shawna Buckley (Brandon), Taylor Saldivar (Ryan), Zoë Heck, and Adelyne (“Addie”) Heck, three grandsons: Tyler Heck, Caleb Heck, and Jesse Heck, and 5 great grandchildren: Alana and Cayden Buckley, and Kyler, Emery, and Ryatt Saldivar.

Richard’s services will be held at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Miami,
Arizona on Saturday, September 14th

9:00 am Viewing
9:30 am Rosary
10:00 am Mass

Interment will take place immediately following the mass at the Globe Cemetery.

Lunch & Reception at the OLBS Church Hall after the burial

Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe located at 328 S. Hill St., Globe, AZ. (928) 425-5491