Heeg: Larry James, Sept. 19, 1958 – April 18, 2018

Larry was born to Edward and Ida Heeg in Empress September 19, 1958, and died peacefully at the age of 59, with his family by his side, April 18, 2018.

Larry married the love of his life, Rita (Stickelmier), October 13, 1990 in Medicine Hat, then moved out to the family farm in Acadia Valley and started their family together. They went on to welcome two sons: Scott, born January 7, 1992, and Steven, August 10, 1993.

Larry’s life was devoted to his family, the farm, and his Lord and Saviour. He was a devoted member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oyen and was also the church treasurer for many years.

He loved life on the farm, particularly watching the growth and changes added through the years, and operating it with his two sons and his brother Tim. His two other loves, being a very close second to life on the farm, would be, his recent interest and appreciation for his John Deere 2-cylinder tractors, one, in particular, that was restored and made new, it was bought new by his father Ed in 1956.

Hockey and the Edmonton Oilers also brought a lot of passion and excitement into his life. Hockey was a big part of his life, from his younger days playing with the Oyen Clippers and the Acadia Valley Dead Wings as one of the goalies. Larry coached the Acadia Valley Dodgers from t-ball to midget. He also enjoyed singing with the Acadia Valley community choir and then with Paul Evans, Phil Marleau, and Tim Heeg, they called themselves the 41-4. The 41-4 sang at various events, which included hockey games, baseball games, carnivals, and funerals. Larry will now be forever singing in the heavenly choir.

Larry spent 18 years serving his community as an M.D. of Acadia councillor from 1992-2001 and then as the Reeve from 2001-2010. He enjoyed his time on council and made lots of new friendships over those years.

June 30, 2017, Larry was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour and lost his courageous battle after a short 10 months.

Larry leaves to mourn his memory, his loving wife of 27 years Rita; two sons Scott (Stevie Cox), and Steven (Jenifer Breum); mom Ida; three brothers Ken, Howard (Linda), Tim (April); mother-in-law Linda Stickelmier; sister-in-law Sandra (Bill) Won; brother-in-law Glen (Lori) Stickelmier; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father Edward; father-in-law Henry Stickelmier; and two brothers-in-law Barry and Carmen Stickelmier.

Funeral service was held April 23, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Acadia Valley. Officiating clergy was Pastor Larry Lentz. Pianist was Roberta Lentz and special music was Turn, Turn, Turn by Tim, Paul and Phil. A tribute was given by Marty Heeg and readers were Jenifer Breum and Stevie Cox. Hymns were Day By Day and I Am Jesus Little Lamb. Pallbearers were Cameron Won, Brandon Stickelmier, Marty Heeg, Leonard Bishoff, Hugo Bergstreser, and Marvin Molzan.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Acadia Valley Community Club and the community in the Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.