Donald Heath 's Obituary
Don was born on October 19, 1949 in Farmington, Maine. He was the youngest of five boys. Glenn and Margaret Heath adopted Don and his brother, Steve when Don was four. Don and Steve were reunited with their three other brothers in 2013.
Don is predeceased by his father, Glenn Heath and his mother, Margaret Knapp Heath. He is survived by his son, Derek Heath of Tallahassee, Derek’s mother and Don’s friend, Brenda Rowan, four brothers; Steve Heath of Farmington Maine (Eric, Jenn and Wanda)
Bill Daly (Phyllis) of Fenwick, MI; Bob Cadigan of Flagstaff, AZ; Dick Cadigan (Beverly) of New Gloucester, ME; his beloved grand puppy and constant companion, Magnum; as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends
Don made The Franklin Journal and Farmington Chronicle on 02/15/1957 as the first-grade checker champion. He went on to be a chess player as well. Don played basketball for Farmington High and was the Captain of the Junior Varsity Team. He also played softball for Farmington High and worked for his family's mens clothing business.
Don moved to Florida in the late seventies where he met and married Brenda in 1979 (Derek was born in 1982). Don worked for Booker Drilling on off shore oil rigs in the 80’s as a crane operator and we always had all the grouper we wanted as they would fish off the oil rig. The rig was 75 miles out in the gulf and he'd reel in plenty of giants.
He missed being home so left the drilling business and worked as route/salesman for several years until he started his own business, Don Heath Transportation. He handled personal transportation as well as some state and private business transportation. He was well known throughout Tallahassee and transported many people to get them home safely. He had an extensive client list and he always gave it a special touch. He would send happy wishes to many former clients via text during the holidays and special occasions. He loved what he did and truly cared about people. He operated his transport business until he retired in 2015.
Don coached flag football for a period while Derek played. Don was a great father from the very beginning of Derek’s life and was always very involved. Don set an example of how women should be treated and demanded that of his son. Don was loyal, generous and so very kind. Don lives on in Derek and will be forever missed. He has been such a huge part of our everyday life, it’s daunting to see into the future without him. But we know God will make a way.
So many people have reached out and shared memories with Derek. They all have the same thoughts... he was trustworthy, kind, helpful, a mentor, a leader, a man of values and ethics, and someone who impacted so many lives during his time on earth. A memorial service will be held at Canopy Roads Baptist, 925 Bannerman Rd., on March 17th at 11:00am.
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