John C. Heyvaert

Nov 9, 1923 - Feb 15, 2020

On February 15th at 7:30 AM in Louisville, Colorado, John C. Heyvaert passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 97. He is remembered for his unwavering love of family, his strength of character, and always wanting to help those around him. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1946 with a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and had hoped to fly from the time he helped build his first glider while in high school. He subsequently entered training at the Navy flight school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but ultimately established his career as a sales engineer for the Torrington Company, which he enjoyed immensely while working with design teams at manufacturing facilities around the Midwest, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

Although he travelled extensively for work, he found time for family activities that included sporting events, canoe trips, skiing, camping around the country, and volunteering in Boy Scouts, having achieved a rank of Eagle Scout himself.

After retiring in the 1990s, he joined a local flying club in Colorado and enjoyed many years flying Cessna and Piper airplanes. Even after losing vision in one eye, he resumed flying by receiving monocular vision certification. He continued to fly, ski, golf, and hike into his 80s and loved to share stories from years of adventures with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 68 years, his five adult children, ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

He will be remembered for his love of life and his ready laugh. His calm gentle strength and kindness touched the life of his family and friends. He now stands tall, straight, and strong in our memories.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Legacy.com

11/05/2024 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailycamera/name/john-heyvaert-obituary?id=7137103