Posted on Wednesday, August 30, Eugene Register Guard Newspaper:
Michael J. Heil was born on June 23, 1956 to Carmen and Jack Heil. He passed away on August 8, 2017. Growing up in Old Bridge, New Jersey he was the oldest of seven children. Under Mike’s influence the Heil clan was raised with a strong and loving family bond. This unique quality continues into the next generation, with each and every spouse, nephew and niece.
In 1980 Mike explored the west coast and moved to Eugene, Oregon with his bicycle and a couple of panniers. Eugene was home base for the rest of his life. Mike followed his adventurous spirit by bicycling around the world, skiing, mountain climbing and his most cherished activity rock climbing. “It feels like a vertical dance on rock.”
Mike met his soul mate Lana Spencer in 1981. They spent ten happy years together with Lana’s children Tanya Washburn and Steven Spencer-Steigner. In 2000 he met Laurie Bernstein and shared the rest of his life with her. Laurie and Mike had a deep love that touched and inspired many around them.
Mike explored a couple of careers until he found his passion, being a Eugene 4J math and PE teacher at Kelly and Cal Young Middle Schools. He had an uncanny and rare ability to instill confidence in kids who never knew they could do math and actually like it. He retired in 2014. Mike’s gifts extended beyond teaching, people felt special around him. During conversations he would listen with focused attention and reply with such enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but feel like you were the most important person in the world to him.
He was often seen with a twinkle in his eyes and a big infectious smile. He inspired people and led by example how to live life to the fullest extent.
Preferring not to refer to his metastatic prostate cancer as a battle, it was his “newest journey,” his last dance if you will; only this time he was not in the lead. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Laurie Bernstein, and his loving family and friends (too numerous to list).
We will gather for a Celebration of Mike’s Life on September 15, from 1-6pm at Alton Baker Park (Shelter 2) in Eugene, Oregon. In honor of Mike’s chosen lifestyle, please consider riding a bicycle to this event.
Beautiful! Just beautiful!
Just perfect Laurie!
A hole-in-one Laurie. I believe we are seeing the other exceptional and articulate voice behind this blog!!!!
He did have an uncanny skill of making you feel “Oh So Special” in both simple & major matters of life.
Hang in there Laur, as we slowly adjust to Life without Mike.