Avon: Harold Christopher Heim (Chris), 66, passed away peacefully after a courageous 3.5 year battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday, April 25, 2022 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. He was born on March 22, 1956 in Muncy, Pennsylvania to the late Harold and Stella Heim. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Alice, his children Dwight (48 of Saint Augustine, Florida) and wife Kelly, and Kristen Drummey (40 of Sudbury, Massachusetts) and her husband Alex, his grandchildren April (26), Elyse (15), Noah (14), Jack (12), Lucy (10) and Katy (7), and countless relatives and friends whose lives he touched in immeasurable ways.
While he lived out his final days in Avon, Chris’ heart never left the ball fields of Fairport, nor his lakeside home in Livonia, NY. The type of fisherman that always had a story bigger than the fish at the end of the line, Chris was the embodiment of the idea that the journey is more important than the destination.
Chris was a people person, through and through, and spent his working life in sales of all kinds – real estate, car sales, pizza, records – you name it, he sold it – but his professional pursuits were always primarily about finding connections with other people.
His true passion was for his children and their hobbies, and most days you could find him coaching football, basketball, baseball and softball. While his commitment to coaching outlived his own children’s athletic careers, he continued helping other kids develop in their sport at HAC for many years before turning to watching his grandchildren compete at their chosen craft – be it surfing, hockey, baseball, or softball, in person and then over the computer when he could no longer travel. Keeping up with their athletic endeavors brought him genuine joy and helped foster a strong connection with each of his children and grandchildren.
Always more concerned with the comfort of those around him than himself, Chris’ final days were spent entertaining his loved ones with stories of his past, hopes for their futures, and promises to look out for all from above.
A Memorial Service will take place at 11AM on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 5015 Lakeville Road in Geneseo, NY.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Wilmot Cancer Center (urmc.rochester.edu), Juvenile T1D (www.jdrf.org), and/or Teresa House of Geneseo NY (teresahouse.org).
To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I was unaware of Chris’ passing until a year and half later. I’ll always remember the jokes and laughs we had together. Those hot and sunny July summers back at the dealership where Chris would be out of the office, scouring over the lot to find his next sale with those gold and black aviators on. You’d always hear Chris talking about some crazy cabbage soup diet he was doing to lose weight, or sometimes you’d see him eating his infamous peanut butter and bologna sandwiches. I never got the chance to go out on his boat. We always talked about it and going fishing. I’ll forever miss him.
Alice and Kristen,
So sorry for your loss. I remember Chris as an enthusiastic father and later coach of HAC teams, especially those in the sports he liked. What struck me was the comment that the journey was more important than the destination. That is why he was such a good fit for HAC sports where his passion for the sport and the kids was obvious. I still recall running into him at the Calkins road Wegmans, where we blocked traffic in the produce section for a lengthy time. That was like him, to catch up with people he had known and who cared about his own kids. Kristen, no doubt he still lives in you and in your own children. Enjoy the times you have with them that remind you of your Dad. I speak from my own experience. I feel for you.
We are so very sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. We will always remember the fun times we had! He will truly be missed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with your family.
Alice, Jerry and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Over the years we would run into Chris and catch up. He was a wonderful kind man.
I loved that guy.He will be truly missed.He will be sorely missed.
My dear Alice, my heart is so very saddened as I just learned about the passing of your dear Chris. I feel so very fortunate to have met both of you as ‘neighbors’ to my Aunt. I always enjoyed seeing him ‘out on his scooter’ or chatting on your porch. He was truly a wonderful, kind person. He always had a smile on his face and so concerned of other people. I know your heart is full but also know that you are comforted to know he is now free of pain and resting in Peace. An abundance of prayers to you and your family.
Alice, I am so saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. I will always remember the talks and laughs at the porch and seeing you walk with Shaggy at the lake. Chris sold me my car and I think of him often while driving. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you warm hugs and much love. I hope all your wonderful memories give you comfort in the days to come. Love, Barb West
Alice and family, I’m saddened for your loss, Chris was always very tolerant of my grandchildren during service, always smiling and happy, he will be missed by all.
It was a true pleasure to spend time with Chris and Alice while he was a resident at Teresa House. He was so full of joy and gratitude for his family and friends! I hope his family finds comfort in what are undoubtedly many happy memories.
Peace,
Jean Hennessey
Thanks for spending your last days with us . Chris was a great guy. And very friendly. It least he is not suffing any more. Alice take care of yourself Please and thank you.
It is my pleasure to have known Chris for just a few weeks. We talked about family and sports while he was a resident at the Theresa House. Chris loved his family as it was very apparent during our conversations. A genuine people person. Thanks Chris.
Chris was a great guy. Worked with him at Dorschel & always saw him & Alice around the lake, always had a smile. RIP
Dear Alice, I am so grateful to you and Chris for the many kind and warm gestures towards me over the years. I always felt welcome in your presence and I have missed the two of you. I am thinking of you and hoping you and your family will find comfort in the days ahead. My heart goes out to you. Love Turi Gilbert
Alice and family,
Ron and I are so saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. He was such a fun loving guy, always friendly to everyone. We so enjoyed the moments when you two were in our lives, living on the lake, and all our fun euchre parties.
Treasure all your moments and memories with Chris. I know we will.
Sincere condolences to all.
Rest In Peace dear friend
So thankful for all of you that have supported our family especially in these last weeks/ months. Rest assured you are in a story or two from dads mouth to our ears and now Gods ears. I’ll Miss you dad. We will take care of each other now – You were exactly who I needed you to be. Thank you!