Paul Richard Heine

Paul Richard Heine, 64, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2013, at his home in Columbia, surrounded by family.

Paul was born May 16, 1949, in St. Louis, Mo., to the late Ferdinand Heine and Flora (Mitter) Heine. He graduated from Afton High School in 1967 and from the University of Missouri—Columbia in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in fisheries and wildlife. On Dec. 30, 1978, Paul married Anne Gray, of Florissant, Mo.

Paul began working at the Columbia Environmental Research Center in 1978, where he held numerous positions, published several papers, and served on dozens of committees until he retired as the Occupational Safety and Chemical Hygiene Officer in 2010. Throughout the years, the Department of Interior honored Paul’s lasting contributions with several regional and national awards.

Paul is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter, Kate Elliott, her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Rose, of Muncie, Ind.; son, Kurt, and his fiancé, Emmalee Leicht, of Columbia; brothers, John Heine, and his wife, Judy, of Springfield, Va.; and Carl Heine, and his wife, Sandy, of St. Louis, Mo. Other survivors include 17 nieces and nephews and dozens of cousins

Paul enjoyed many hobbies. He built fishing rods, model airplanes and birdhouses. He never gave a card he didn’t make, and he always had Sudoku close at hand. Paul tied flies and fished many streams and rivers throughout the country. He hunted most every year with his son and camped with his family at national parks in all but eight states in the continental U.S. Paul found great pleasure in painting for friends and donating works of art to charitable organizations, including Trout Unlimited­—which recognized Paul for his longstanding service and contributions with the 2010 Donati Award.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbia United Church of Christ or to the Paul R. Heine Memorial Fund c/o The Callaway Bank, which will support a shelter at Bennett Spring State Park as well as a memorial park bench and tree in Columbia.

Condolences

  1. Judy Wood on November 20, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Anne- Woody and I were so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. Judy Wood



  2. Donna Ianke on November 20, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Anne, We were so saddened to hear of Paul’s death. He was always so fun and interesting to be around. Keeping the memories close. Donna Ianke



  3. Anne Shifley on November 20, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    Kurt – your father sounds like an amazing man and he has certainly passed on his love of the outdoors to you. Thinking of you and your family. Take care!



  4. Mandy Annis on November 21, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Paul had such a wonderful positive spirit and touched so many. He is legendary at CERC. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Mandy, Gust, Henry, and Max Annis



  5. Lori Buitink on November 21, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Anne, Kate & Kurt,
    May each of you feel comfort knowing how many caring thought and prayers surround you and your family, not only during this difficult time but in the days to come.
    God gave us a wonderful blessing with Paul. He will forever be part of the CERC family. His smile and endearing soul will always be a part of my heart.



  6. Tom Scott on November 22, 2013 at 7:54 am

    Anne, Kate, Kurt, and Family,

    Although taken from you much too soon, Paul exemplified the very essence of life by virtue of his gregarious personality, enthusiastic spirit, positive outlook, and extraordinary compassion for others. He touched so many of us with his warm demeanor, professional courtesy, and enviable charm and wit. I know that personally, I feel very honored and blessed to have shared times and laughter with such a remarkable and animated colleague; I will miss him deeply. Having recently spent a few precious moments with Paul, he reinforced my belief in the spirit and courage of mankind. We will keep you in our prayers and hearts during this very difficult time. Tom Scott and Family



  7. Kialy Bujnak on November 22, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Anne,
    Sending my love and prayers to both you and your family at this most difficult time.

    Love your former nursing student (Kialy) and the rest of the “Dazzling Deliverers”



  8. Cathy (Ehrhardt) Illingworth on November 22, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Anne, Kate, & Kurt, I remember Paul fondly. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to all of you.



  9. Linda and Peter Kolostov on November 22, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    Anne,
    My sincere sympathies to you and your family. Sorry I didn’t know Paul as he sounds like a very interesting and wonderful person. Hope to see you soon.
    Linda and Peter Kolostov



  10. Becky Bramon on November 23, 2013 at 10:03 am

    Anne, I’m thinking of you and your family. God bless you all!

    Becky



  11. Carla on November 24, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Paul will be greatly missed. He always had such a positive attitude. “Hubba, hubba.”



  12. James F. Fairchild on October 4, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    I miss you every day, Big Guy. Thank you for the memories and artwork.



  13. Andrew Reese on January 6, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    To the Heine family,

    I am currently on the MKT trail and I saw a board with various amphibian facts. In the leg of one of the frog drawings, Paul’s name is listed. After doing some research on him, I’ve found this page. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I hope you know that his legacy is living on and his love of nature is inspiring others.



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