Jack Heaton

Jack Edward Heaton died peacefully on March 20, 2012, the first day of Spring, at Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, NM. After defying the odds for many years in a battle with cancer, Jack died comfortably and without regrets in the company of family, friends and the angelic staff at Holy Cross Hospital who eased his transition. Jack was born in South Bend, Indiana on July 11, 1927 to Horace and Betty Heaton, and grew up in Indiana, Washington and Michigan, along with younger brother Bill. After the Navy in World War II, Jack graduated from the University of Washington as a philosphy major (after studying engineering for three years). His football team went to the Rose Bowl, with Jack as reserve quarterback. His career included years in advertising in New York City, where he coined the phrase: "Long distance is the next best thing to being there." He moved to VT in 1969 and became a developer and manager of: real estate (Wooden Indian, Inc.); affordable housing for low income seniors and families (THM, Inc); and, assisted living homes for seniors (Terrace Communities). Jack loved traveling, fishing, golf, gardening, painting, and he never stopped working. Jack serves as a true example of a life well-lived--a man of great integrity, thoughtfulness, generosity, and wit, and a beloved friend and employer who touched and improved the lives of many. Jack is survived by his wife of 32 years Phyllis Heaton with whom he moved to NM in 1991 and his children Kris Heaton of CT and Kate Heaton of VT, as well as step-children Laura Stewart and Sandy Schwartz in NM. Jack will be missed by so many. A memorial service for Jack will be held in Manchester, VT in early May. He and family express deep thanks to Holy Cross Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jack's memory to Holy Cross Hospital (1397 Weimer Rd., Taos, NM, 87571) or Terrace Communities Foundation (c/o Suite A, 129 Lincoln Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255).