Richard Heintz

Richard Paul Heintz, age 87, of Kalamazoo, MI died peacefully Monday, July 11th surrounded by family. Richard was born in Belmont, MA. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his B.S. in engineering. He served in the Navy during the Korean War as a Lieutenant Engineering Officer on LST 803. His career as a mechanical engineer included working for National Water Lift and later as a self-employed consultant on automotive and aerospace projects, and over the years obtained several patents related to these industries. He continued working up until his death on engineering projects and had an equation for everything. Along with his wife Diane, he was active in social issues such as the anti-war and Civil Rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, he was district campaign manager for Eugene McCarthy's 1968 presidential campaign. He continued his involvement with issues related to free speech through the ACLU and the Freethinkers Society. Richard was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing doubles matches with his sons. He enjoyed spending time near the Great Lakes, first in Grand Haven, Michigan and later in Canada in his cabin on Lake Superior. Richard is predeceased by his wife, Diane, and brother Wallace. He is survived by children Carol, Joe, David (Lori), Paul (Ellen), William, grandchildren Abraham and Joseph, his brother Robert (Pamela), and sister-in-law Patricia Heintz. An Open House to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2016, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at People's Church, 1758 N. 10th St. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. North 10th Street is under construction but the church is accessible to local traffic. If you wish to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, they may be made to either Peoples Church or The ACLU.