August 16th, 1936 – July 30th, 2021
Marcus Heck passed away suddenly just days before his 85th birthday following a brief illness. Marcus is survived by his three children Barry (Beth) of Calgary, Karen (Rob) Ballhorn of Wetaskiwin and Dean (Stephanie) of Leduc. He also leaves to mourn his precious grandchildren: Emma, Luke, Molly (Dustin), Hannah, Gordie, Katie, Ryley and Nolan. Marcus is also survived by his brother Allan (Doreen) Heck and sisters Dorothy (Roger) Giovenetto, Eva Heck, Eileen (Dave) St. Peter, and sister-in-law Linda Heck. Marcus was predeceased by his loving wife Adele in 2010, parents Peter and Clara Heck, mother and father-in-law Henry and Dora Lemire, and brothers Albert and Dennis.
Marcus was born and raised on the family farm near Bodo, Alberta with his six siblings. After high school Marcus attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, obtaining degrees in Geology and Education. It was at university that Marcus met the love of his life, Adele Lemire. In 1960, Marcus and Adele moved to Claresholm where they began their teaching careers and were married in 1961. After Adele’s passing in 2010, Marcus continued to live in Claresholm until 2020 when he moved to Camrose to be closer to family.
Marcus proudly taught for 32 years in Claresholm, from 1960 to his retirement in 1991, with 24 years as Principal. Marcus also operated the pro shop at the Claresholm golf club; a job that he continued to do after his retirement from teaching.
Marcus touched numerous lives and developed many lifelong friendships as a teacher and community builder. He believed that vibrant, local organizations were essential to building a strong community. Marcus volunteered with various Claresholm organizations. He served as president of Claresholm Minor Hockey, Claresholm Golf Club, Claresholm Curling Club and the Claresholm Lions Club, which he was a proud member of for over 50 years. He was also actively involved in his church, serving in various roles. Marcus was awarded Claresholm’s Citizen of the Year, an honor that was well deserved and of which he was very proud of.
Marcus’ true pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching and coaching and would travel around the country to cheer them on. Marcus was proud of all their accomplishments, whether it was in sports, academics, church or in the community.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Claresholm Health Foundation (P.O Box 2638 Claresholm, Alberta TOL OTO), Christ the King Catholic Church (Box 1719 Claresholm, Alberta TOL OTO) or to a charity of one’s choice.
Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church in Claresholm (344 – 50th Ave West) on
Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.