On November 3rd, Joseph Heller, former board of the Whatcom Conservation District passed away peacefully in Bellingham. Joe served on the board of the Whatcom Conservation District for ten years, providing valuable leadership and insight to our organization. We send our condolences and support to his family. Attached below is Joe’s obituary.
BORN 1949 DIED 2021
Joseph Charles Heller
September 14, 1949 - November 3, 2021
Deming, Washington - Joseph Charles Heller, age 73, passed away peacefully in Bellingham Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Joe was born on September 14, 1949 in Bellingham, Washington to Frank and Gertrude (Franzen) Heller.
After graduating from Mount Baker High School, he went onto the University of Washington and obtained a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Forest Resources.
He married Charlene Warner on October 1, 1971.
He worked for The Department of Agriculture U. S. Forest Service for 35 years and retired in 2005.
Joe also worked as a member of Interagency Puget Sound River Basin Team of Soil Conservation for the State of Washington.
He was on a regional overhead team with the Forest Service for Wildlands Fires.
Joe also was on many Volunteer Fire Departments across the Washington state for 25 years.
Member S.A.F. since 1971 and honored as Forester of the year by Southwest Chapter of Washington S.A.F. 2000 and was named fellow in 2004.
He was a member of Kiwanis of Hoodsport for 8 years.
He was appointed to the board of Whatcom Conservation district serving for 10 years.
He was active with Black Mountain Forestry Center and Foothills Chamber of Commerce.
Joe loved to hunt and fish. A favorite ritual was annual fishing trip to Nimpo Lake British Columbia with his dad and brothers. He was a faithful Husky fan and had season tickets for years.
Joe and Charlene ran a seasonal mail order Christmas wreath business for 20 years.
Joe is survived by his wife Charlene of 50 years, daughter; Carol Heller, three grandchildren; Ashlie, Brain, Troy of California, four brothers; Ray Heller (Waligory), Tom Heller (Kim), Ron Heller (Debbie), Mike Heller (Joyce), sister; Mary Vincent (Bruce), also several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whatcom County District 14, P.O. Box 482, Sumas, WA 98295 in Joseph's name.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Les from Lincare, Dr. Floyd and Dr. Walls from the Family Care Network, Sue Carpenter Joe's care giver for special care they gave Joe. Please share your thoughts and memories of Joe online at, www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
Published by Bellingham Herald on Nov. 21, 2021.