Gone West

[sandpiper]

For those of you who knew Roger Heller, I found out this evening that he passed away October 18. Apparently he was in the run-up area at his home base in Oregon, getting ready to depart on a trip to California with a passenger who had absolutely no pilot training, when he had a massive heart attack and was pronounced at the scene. In about another 2 minutes he would have been in the air.

 

One good example of why we brief on the use of the chute before each flight.

[Ed Cesnalis]

Rest in peace, Roger

[CT4ME]

Roger Walton Heller of McMinnville, OR passed away on October 17, 2012 at the age of 63 years old. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of Macy & Son. Viewing will be held on Sunday, October 21 from 12 – 5 pm; Monday, October 22 from 4 – 7pm and

Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4-7 pm at the Chapel of Macy & Son. Interment will be held following the service at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

 

Roger Heller, son of Harold and Margery Walton Heller was born in Fort Lewis, WA on November 16, 1948. When Roger's father passed away at an early age, Margery moved the family to McMinnville. She and Harold were married in McMinnville on September 28, 1962. Roger was a swimmer on the early McMinnville Swim Team in the late 1950's and Marge and Hal were active in that program. Shortly after graduating from McMinnville High School, Roger joined the National Guard serving for almost 10 years and retiring with the rank of Captain. At the age of 21, Roger became the youngest buyer for Meier and Frank. Roger and Elizabeth Marcheselli were married in 1978. In 1983 Roger and Liz moved their family to McMinnville, OR. Roger went to work for the News Register as their advertising manager and later was promoted to their General Manager. After leaving the new register Roger worked for Gormley Plumbing and Heating where he worked as their Office Manager. In the early 1990's Roger left Gormley's and started his own business, Computers Only. In 1994 Roger started the Yamhill County Real Estate Guide, which continues to this day.

 

Roger Heller was an active member of the community. He served as a member and officer of the Knights of Pythias, Chair of Chamber of Commerce of the Downtown committee, founding President of the Downtown Association, Board member of the Downtown Association, Member of the McMinnville Rural Fire District Board; member of the Airport Commission, member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Downtown Urban Renewal, and President of the Northwest Antique Airplane Club. Roger ran twice for Yamhill County Commissioner and once for County Treasurer.

 

Roger Heller was a lover of aviation, hunting, fishing, amusement parks, vacationing in Kauai and the Oregon Coast, technology, and spending time with his close friends and family.

 

Roger is survived by his former wife Liz Heller of McMinnville, OR, his two daughters Brooke Hausmann of Eugene, OR and Jessica Heller of Portland, OR, his granddaughter Addison Hausmann of Eugene, OR, his brother Ross Heller of Kent, WA and sister Susan Brockert of Kirkland, WA, his aunt and uncle Robert and Helen Heller of San Francisco, CA and aunt and uncle Doug and Mary Heller of Atherton, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Roger Heller will be loved and missed by all. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association in care of Macy & Son.

======================

 

R.I.P. CTFlyer... The Father of our CT forum community

Story

Tim

[207WF]

Thanks, Tim:

 

I have been on the forum since Roger H. started it, and it was quite a contribution to our tribe. Nice to know a little more of his background.

 

WF