Donald J. Heim
December 10, 1927 ~ February 3, 2015
On Tuesday evening, February 3, Donald J. Heim died peacefully at home in Vienna, VA at age 87. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 10, 1927, where he graduated from Northeast Catholic HS in 1945. He enlisted in the Navy and was sent to the University of Virginia as part of the V5 program. After the war he returned to Virginia to complete his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree, thanks to the GI Bill, and graduated in 1950. He then started as a "cadet engineer" at The Washington Gas Light (WGL) Company, where his career spanned 42 years, culminating in his role as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
During his tenure at WGL, Don secured contracts for all-gas operations at the Washington Hilton (a first for the area) and for a novel gas heating and cooling system at the Watergate complex. As president, he oversaw the establishment of the Washington Area Fuel Fund, which went on to help hundreds of thousands of residents in need to heat their homes. It is administered by the Salvation Army to this day.
He also served on several committees of the American Gas Association (AGA) before becoming AGA Chairman of the Board from 1989-90. In addition, he chaired the Board of the Institute of Gas Technology from 1990-91.
Don was named Financial World Magazine's CEO of the Year for the natural gas industry in 1986, 1990 and 1991, among many other honors. An involved member of the community, he served on numerous boards, including George Washington University Business School, Riggs Bank, and The University of Virginia Engineering School .
Over the years Don was active in many organizations, including the Washington Board of Trade, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and The Kiwanis Club of Washington, DC, and was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church from its founding in 1955. He also was active at Westwood Country Club and belonged to Columbia Country Club until 2005.
Don deeply loved and cared for his family. He enjoyed family vacations at the beach and Capon Springs, WV, fishing, Washington Redskins games and UVA sports. After retirement in 1992, there was more time to play golf, visit Florida and travel for pleasure. He and his wife Jean felt very blessed. Don's life was one well spent.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Jean; their son Donald J. Heim, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Millersville, MD; daughters Carol Heim and her husband, Philip Carter, of Leverett, MA; Diane Heim and her husband, Charles Reardon, of Vienna, VA; Laura Heim and her husband, Jeffrey Kroessler, of Sunnyside, NY; and Sarah Heim and her husband, Christopher O'Connor, of Florence, MA; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Jenny), Richard and Ashley Heim; Melissa and Kelsey Reardon; Benjamin and Reed O'Connor; one great-grandson, Patrick Heim; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, February 13, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 West Maple Ave, Vienna, VA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna, VA on Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michaels Road, Henrico, VA 23229-4822 or the hospice provider, Capital Caring, Merrifield Team 1002, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.moneyandking.com.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
During his tenure at WGL, Don secured contracts for all-gas operations at the Washington Hilton (a first for the area) and for a novel gas heating and cooling system at the Watergate complex. As president, he oversaw the establishment of the Washington Area Fuel Fund, which went on to help hundreds of thousands of residents in need to heat their homes. It is administered by the Salvation Army to this day.
He also served on several committees of the American Gas Association (AGA) before becoming AGA Chairman of the Board from 1989-90. In addition, he chaired the Board of the Institute of Gas Technology from 1990-91.
Don was named Financial World Magazine's CEO of the Year for the natural gas industry in 1986, 1990 and 1991, among many other honors. An involved member of the community, he served on numerous boards, including George Washington University Business School, Riggs Bank, and The University of Virginia Engineering School .
Over the years Don was active in many organizations, including the Washington Board of Trade, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and The Kiwanis Club of Washington, DC, and was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church from its founding in 1955. He also was active at Westwood Country Club and belonged to Columbia Country Club until 2005.
Don deeply loved and cared for his family. He enjoyed family vacations at the beach and Capon Springs, WV, fishing, Washington Redskins games and UVA sports. After retirement in 1992, there was more time to play golf, visit Florida and travel for pleasure. He and his wife Jean felt very blessed. Don's life was one well spent.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Jean; their son Donald J. Heim, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Millersville, MD; daughters Carol Heim and her husband, Philip Carter, of Leverett, MA; Diane Heim and her husband, Charles Reardon, of Vienna, VA; Laura Heim and her husband, Jeffrey Kroessler, of Sunnyside, NY; and Sarah Heim and her husband, Christopher O'Connor, of Florence, MA; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Jenny), Richard and Ashley Heim; Melissa and Kelsey Reardon; Benjamin and Reed O'Connor; one great-grandson, Patrick Heim; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, February 13, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 West Maple Ave, Vienna, VA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna, VA on Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michaels Road, Henrico, VA 23229-4822 or the hospice provider, Capital Caring, Merrifield Team 1002, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.moneyandking.com.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Uncle Don will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed talking with him; he was so intelligent and personable. As a child, he patiently worked with me to help me learn to play pool on a “grown ups” table. It was always something I looked forward to doing with him. When I was in college, I called him up to interview him for a project in English class. I think he was very surprised but he did take the time to talk with me. My deepest condolences to all his family. Love, Kimberly
Dear Jean and Family, We treasure our friendship with you Don. He was simply the most sincere, decent, humble and smartest fellows you could ever meet. We always enjoyed your visits in Fl. each year and will miss him greatly. May the wonderful memories you have of him sustain you in the years ahead. Wayne and Delores Mills
Jean, Denise and I are heartbroken to learn that Don has died. But at the same time we know that he is now with his Lord and no longer suffering. We have so many wonderful memories of our times together these past sixty years. You are St. Jean to us for the care you have given to Don during his illness. Our love to you and your family. Jim and Denise Riddle
Jean, Barb & I treasure the memories we shared with you and Don over the years. We miss the trips to Greenbrier and AGA Conventions and your visits to south Florida each year. Don will always be with us in our thoughts and prayers. Your house will seem empty now, but not as great as the emptiness you will feel in your heart. Please accept our condolences for your loss. Your loss is also our loss for Don was a true friend, a mentor and a wonderful guy.
Mr. Heim was undoubtedly one of the best CEO’s of Washington Gas. He was genuine and employees fortunate to work for the company during his reign, still speak of him in very high regard. Most have a very pleasant encounter to share. May the fond memories of Mr. Heim sustain you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mr. Heim was very special and will be missed by all.
I was sad when Mr. Heim retired from Washington Gas and I am sad to hear of his passing. He was a great leader. He was the last of a breed that were hand picked to spend time and learn each department. Mr. Heim was a quiet man who listened more than he spoke. Was in touch with the workers and could speak with anyone. My thoughts are with Mrs. Heim and her family. May our Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort.
Prayers to the Heim Family: Mr. Heim was an extremely approachable CEO who displayed a leadership style that reflected warmth, sincerity and genuine care and concern. He made a practice of meeting with all new hires. And in 1988 I enjoyed a breakfast gathering with him and my fellow new employees as we were warmly welcomed into the WG family.
My condolences to Jean and the family. Don was an outstanding person who exemplified the best of what a corporate leader and colleague should be. I was fortunate to know him.
Our prayers are with Don as his soul makes this transition and with the family. He will be missed by so many people that he touched during his lifetime. The family is in our prayers. God Bless.
Uncle Don is the only uncle I had. He will be greatly missed, but I have many fond memories of him as I was growing up. I remember the many Thanksgivings on Echols Street where all the guys would watch the football game in the den. I was always in there with them watching. Uncle Don was such a soft spoken and mild mannered man, a true gentleman. Even though he has passed into his eternal life, he has left all of us with many wonderful memories that we will all cherish. My prayers are with the family and all those who loved him. May God’s love bring all of you hope and peace of mind knowing that Uncle Don is with Him. Love, Mary
To the Heim family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your father. Your father was a kind and humble Christian man. You all were dear friends and neighbors in Vienna and I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and give you peace. Tisa Stout Carleo and family
To the Heim family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your father. Your father was a kind and humble Christian man. You all were dear friends and neighbors in Vienna and I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and give you peace. Tisa Stout Carleo and family
Dearest Heim Family, We’re sending you prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time! I feel blessed to have know “Pops” and to have been “adopted” into your loving family! I’ll always treasure the memories we spent together! Don’s smile, giggle and the way he’d “dance” across the room always made my day! Our meetings were so much more fun (and productive) with him around! Sending lots of love and hugs your way! Love, Mariellen, Jon, Peter, Caelie and Averie
My Condolences to the Heim Family. God bless you all.