Dr. William "Bill" F. Heizer Obituary (1930 - 2017)

William Franklin Heizer went home to be with his friend the Lord on Oct. 2, 2017. Bill talked with Him most every day. A Celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, October 21st at Coles Tribute Center in Baker City, Oregon at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dan Martin of McEwen Bible Fellowship, Sumpter, OR will officiate. A reception for the family will follow. Bill was born Oct. 21, 1930 to his parents Earl and Millie Heizer. Earl and Millie moved to Baker when Bill was about three. Bill went to school in Baker, graduating from Baker High School. He then attended and graduated from Eastern Oregon University and afterward from OHSU Dental School in Portland. He worked his way thru dental school playing the piano as a concert pianist. He practiced dentistry in Baker and opened a practice in Halfway. Selling his practice in Halfway after several years, Bill opened an office in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast, driving between Baker and Lincoln City every week. As a young man, Bill developed a life-long love of music, running, and the out-of-doors. He loved to hike, hunt, fish and ride motorcycles. An avid runner, Bill qualified and ran in 5 Portland marathons, the Boston and New York marathons, one in Spokane, Washington and several along the Oregon Coast. Bill was a concert-level pianist, playing every day almost up until the day his Lord called him home. He enjoyed playing the popular songs and music of the day. He was a generous, giving man, often providing free dental work for those who needed help but couldn't afford it. Bill married Jean Walker in 1974 in Ontario, Oregon. Together they worked, rode motorcycles and toured much of Oregon, part of Canada, and especially enjoyed riding along the Oregon Coast. Bill's little Yorky Missy was dear to him, and they were almost inseparable. The last several years of his life he enjoyed going to assisted living homes helping to encourage the residents. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean Heizer of Baker City, Oregon; 3 daughters, Dallas Kyriss of Lewiston, Idaho; Wendy Ricks of Mesa, Arizona and Kelley Baker of Baker City, Oregon; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Contribution in the memory of Bill may be made to McEwen Bible Fellowship through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR 97814.