Vince Heintzelman, 1944-2013

Charles (Vince) Vincent Heintzelman was born on May 1, 1944 in Brookfield, Missouri and passed away in his home in Newport, WA on April 27, 2013. Survived by devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Brendia. Son Charles (Chuck) Jr, daughters Christine, Cherie and Candace(Candy). Sixteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Leo. Survived by mother, Betty Ann, brothers William (Bill) and Clinton (Clint) and Sister Sue Ann. Many nieces and nephews.

After a courageous fight with Crohn's disease for forty five years Vince passed away in his home on April 27, 2013. In 1962 he joined the U.S. Air force. Retired after seventeen years on a medical discharge after serving our country during the Vietnam War. He went back to school and obtained his A.A.S. in electrical and hydraulics graduating at the top of his class. Worked doing the electrical work on lumber stackers for sixteen years and continued consulting worldwide for four years after that. In 1966 Vince was stationed for temporary duty in Fairbanks, AK. This experience changed his life forever. He discovered the world of dog sled racing. When he got home, he convinced his wife Brendia that they should look for their first Siberian Husky, Kado. It would be perfect she could show them and he could race them. They only used Siberians for a few years before he wanted to go faster and be more competitive. He continued to race sled dogs for 31 years. It became his wife's hobby, his children's hobby and even several of his grandchildren joined their "papa". He was able to recognize his dream and took his dogs, wife, and two grandchildren and raced in Alaska in 2005, 2006 & 2007. His granddaughter continued his dream moving to Alaska and continue working with sled dogs while going to school in Fairbanks where it all began. He kept several dogs even after his health deteriorated beyond his ability to race dogs. It was his life and his passion, claiming even a month ago that he would race again.

There will be a viewing at Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home on May 2nd between 12-6. Rosary will be held at St Anthony's Church on May 3rd at 10:30, memorial service at 11. Interment will follow at Newport Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Newport Hospital and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.