Mr. Thomas M. Heinz's Obituary
Mr. Thomas Mellett Heinz, age 61, passed away very unexpectedly Friday morning, April 11, 2014 at an area hospital. Tom was born June 25, 1952 at Camp Atterbury in Columbus, Indiana to Francis Albert and Mary A. Heinz Jr. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University and his Master’s in Management from Aquinas College. Tom was married to the former Mary Veldman and Lori Kriesel who both survive him. He was currently the Program Manager for G.R.O.W. (Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women). Prior to that, Tom held positions with Every Woman’s Place, the American Cancer Society and West Michigan Therapy Housing and Recovery Centers. He was also a former member of the Muskegon Kiwanis Club. Tom loved writing poetry and short stories, reading, golf, traveling, watching sports, doing crossword puzzles, and rock and roll. He enjoyed basketball with his brothers and sons and playing backgammon with his dad, “Toad”. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his children. Tom is survived by his children, Cameron and Catherine Heinz of Grand Rapids, Charles Stuart Heinz and William Edward Heinz, both of Muskegon; his parents, Francis Jr. and Mary Heinz; a sister, Christina and Terry Zimmer of Houston, TX; his brothers, Timothy F. and Patricia Heinz of Lima, OH and Daniel R. and Susan Heinz of Grand Rapids; 6 nieces and nephews, Shane, Clark, Lauren, Leslie, Curtis, and Grady Heinz; several cousins and many friends. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, April 25th at San Chez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids from 4 - 8pm. All donations can be made out to the Heinz Memorial Fund at Fifth Third Bank. Friends and family welcome.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas ?
Share a story where Thomas 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?