Legacy /

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Many people come and go in our lives; however, a special few touch us in ways that change us forever. Bill was one of those exceptional individuals. We are grateful for the loving memories and sculptural gifts he left for us so that he may remain in our hearts and minds forever. His sculptures are so much more than just a body of work; they represent the many facets of this artist – the energy in creation and completion – the beauty and creativity. Once Bill touched your life you could understand his love and loyalty to family & friends, feel his zest and joy of life, count on his integrity, glow as he beamed his wide broad smile, and revel in his wickedly unfiltered humor. He shared his compassion for creating works of art, retirement planning by diversifying savings with stock portfolios, and acquiring & managing properties by teaching and helping others. Everyone knew his word was his bond. All family and friends looked forward to eagerly accepting his engaging hugs.

Bill believed that a person’s capacity for personal development is without limits. He felt obtaining competence in a broad range of abilities and areas of knowledge should be everyone’s goal. For those that knew him well, Bill exemplified one who excelled in a great variety of areas. Artist, Teacher, voracious reader, life-long-learner, natural athlete, communicator, and charismatic are characteristics that describe him. Additional skills and accomplishments are: Realtor, Property Owner & Manager, Carpenter, Construction Worker, Portfolio Manager, World Traveler and Author.

When Bill was two, he and his older brother, Bob, moved from Kansas to Southern California with his parents, Harold & Carmelita. Brothers Rod, Jerry & Wiley were added to the family. While living in El Monte he attended Elementary, Junior High, and High School graduating in 1956. After chores, if he was not playing football, basketball, or baseball, he was catching “crawdads” in the San Gabriel River. Biking skills, perseverance, & responsibility were engrained with paper routes from 4th grade to the beginning of High School. A gifted athlete during his high school and college years, Bill played Varsity Basketball earning honors as a leading scorer & rebounder, Player of the Year, & First Team in Pacific League. In college, he was selected 1st Team All-Conference while playing for a winning basketball team. His record as third leading rebounder in college history still stands. He continued to participate in basketball and baseball after college and became an excellent swimmer, diver, sailor, bowler, water & snow skier. Bill moved his body in an almost effortless manner.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts and Secondary Teaching Credential, Bill began his career at Montebello High School teaching Creative Wood Sculpture, a Fine Arts course he developed for Grades 9-12. He was awarded the State of California’s “Outstanding Art Instructor Award” from 1966-1994. During these years his students also received rewards for Outstanding Art Achievement from County, State, and National Competitions. After receiving his Master of Arts Degree, he joined the staff at California State University, Los Angeles, teaching Wood Sculpture. As a well-educated, charming, witty teacher and educator, he challenged himself and his high school, university, and adult students daily to make each day count in setting and achieving goals. He insisted that each work of art be unique and original.

Bill dedicated over 60 years of his life creating art works of Animals, Humans, Relief Carvings, Freeform, and Functional Sculptures from exotic and domestic hardwoods using hand tools. His sculptures have received many “Best of Show” awards at local galleries and shows. Public Art Works include “Are We Not All Men and All Brothers” at California State University at Los Angeles. Articles about Bill and illustrations of his sculptures have appeared in many periodicals and book publications. Sculptures he has created are held in collections in the United States and World-wide. He was a featured artist on the Long Beach Open Studio Tour. https://lbopenstudiotour.com/bill-heynen/ Authored and published in 2014, the book, "Dynamic Creations: Wood Sculptures" by Bill Heynen, is a lavish visual portfolio of his life’s work to date.

As a certified Master Wood Sculptor, he was a sought-after-lecturer, teacher, and featured speaker. In a clearly stated and easily understood manner, he conveyed his creative approach and the techniques he utilized in creating his own sculptures. Engaging the viewer in the dynamic flow of the sculpture, encouraging continual interaction between the audience and the carving was his ultimate goal. Sculpture is the art of making shapes. Wood sculpture is a subtractive art form. The artist works from the outside in, carving with tools to remove the wood until the desired form is released. While working on one sculpture, Bill would be mentally planning the next work of art. Having just finished his last sculpture before entering the hospital, Bill left in his studio, on his work bench, his drawings and the wood he had selected for his next sculpture.

“As I offer this portfolio, I feel a powerful urge to create something new and unique. It gives me great personal pleasure to produce a work of art that is different in some way and cause it to come into existence. The physical interaction continues to give me great satisfaction and I lose all sense of time.”

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Tracy, Jim, & Jeff; grandchildren, Kristin, Reed, Luke, Corinne, Sofia, & William; great-grandchildren, Imani & Sky; brothers Jerry & Wiley & extended family and friends. Please click on the "Legacy of Images" button above to download a slideshow featuring this beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend interacting with many over the years. The TRIBUTES in this Legacy section contain comments from notebooks & letters collected over the years written by art lovers and collectors indicating how Bill and his sculptures touched and changed lives. To view additional Sculptures, click on the HOME, PROCESS, BOOK, & GALLERY sections of the website. Additional Tributes may be sent by using the CONTACT section of this website.

View Memoriam

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He loved what he did, now the world will love what he did for hundreds of years. We were blessed to have known him.
--George and Marcia

Bill was an amazing man who touched the lives of so many. I’ll never forget his spirit and his laughter.
--Sarah

Bill’s humor, generosity, and artistic talent will be remembered and cherished by all of us.
--Judy

Bill will always be at the top of our list of favorite people we’ve known and love, as we recall his unfiltered observations and admire his creative genius.
--Chris & Marilyn

We’ve lost a skilled artist and a good friend. Beyond the sadness of saying good-bye is the peace of knowing we’re connected forever in love.
--Jeff & Nancy

I’m so saddened at the news of Bill’s passing. He was a special person and a treasured friend. I can’t remember when I didn’t know him.
--Marci

There will be sorrow and there will be celebrations. But most of all there will be love, the kind that never ends.
--Wendy

Under the rough exterior one realized just how caring and thoughtful Bill was. I didn’t fathom the last time together would be when he stopped by to say “Hi” and check to see if we were healthy. He was a unique and creative artist and his passing leaves a vacancy in our life.
--Russ & Donna

We find peace knowing Bill positively affected so many lives.
--Brian & Shannon

As Bill journeyed through life, he left footprints of kindness, love, courage, compassion & joy. Even though he’s gone, the trail he left continues to inspire us.
--Virginia & Bob

We are all extremely fortunate to have had such a wonderful person in our lives. I often think of the thousands of students and associates Bill nurtured in fashioning wood and its personalities into beauty.
--Stan

What I remember about Bill was his beautiful wide smile and deep voice. His wood carvings are beautiful and will carry his spirit with them.
--Lynn

We’re grateful that love lives on forever in each memory and thought. In our hearts, Bill is will us every day.
-- Rod & Diana

An amazing man has left us. No way to count the lives he touched. No words adequate to express how much he’ll be missed.
--Loretta

Bill’s love made us happy, we will treasure those memories. His love gave us strength, it will be there to get us through each day. His love is forever, may the lasting beauty of his sculptures comfort us always.
--Donna

When I think of Bill, I see him in the garden in Glinde, Germany doing magic tricks. I see his laughing face, always ready for a joke. He was such a loving man and great artist. I remember with awe how he showed us an abstract wooden sculpture he was working on when we visited in California. He said something like “I’ll remove this part and take this and then that…I was at loss to see what he was able to see, this was just one of his many talents.
--Bettina

Bill was truly a “renaissance man.” Two other descriptions of Bill that are accurate are “one of a kind” and “unique.” May you celebrate Bill’s legacy that will live on.
--Bo & Kathie

Bill was such a good man, talented beyond belief, decent, and kind. I have many wonderful memories of times in Long Beach.
--Laverta

Bill’s family values were an inspiration to one and all. His nurturing and engaging personality, along with his very gifted art expositions will be missed for all who reveled in his accomplishments.
--Chrisjeon

Thank you for opening up your home and sharing your beautiful work.
--Lisa

Bill your art makes my heart sing – to see such beautiful art in wood – animals, women, freeform – and all crafted with love and feeling.
--Yvonne

I’m truly overwhelmed by the personality each of your wood carvings display. Bill, your talent and creativity are so inspiring and I feel honored to witness your handiwork.
--Rosemary

Bill, little do you realize these works are the tapestry of your life. Thanks for the opportunity to have a portion of your life.
--R & D

Your work is absolutely amazing. Truly a blessing and inspiration from above. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us.
--Kevin & Jeanne

Congratulations on an amazing body of work.
--Bet & Phil

Fantastic talent! God has gifted you.
--Dave

Bill was an amazing person in many ways, thank you for your friendship.
--Don & Carol

Bill was a unique, talented individual. His character, his passion for his art and his spirit outshone during his life. I’m grateful I had a chance to meet him.
--Claire

No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for “good-bye”.
--Randi

Bill, your art work is just stunning.
--Del & Marty

I was able to get out Bill’s book and go through it. I’m amazed all over again at how talented he was. To have wonderful memories of him sharing his work makes me grateful.
--Delores

I started buying Bill’s carvings as a senior in high school; commissioned him to carve “Are We Not All Men and All Brothers as senior class president at CSULA, had him carve a bust of me as a gift to my parents; and treasured his friendship all these years. I do have as do you, wonderful memories that will cause healing when I smile and remember my dear friend and mentor.
--Ron

Very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was quite the larger-than-life figure of our childhood, a person never afraid to be himself in front of others. Being with Bill and his infectious courage, made one live a little brighter in his wake, made it feel OK to follow one’s heart and not be so concerned with social stigma. Then a bout of his outrageous humor would be followed by the quiet and gentle focus of the artist, Bill the woodcarver so different from the challenging comedian. As always, his fearless being himself showed a wider life beyond the safe certainties of custom. Wherever his spirit dwells now, no doubt he is still breaking all the ice with his inimitable Bill Heynen laughter. Thank you, Bill, Love.
--Brian

Bill, your work is beyond belief. Thank you for letting me share your fabulous work.
--Joel

Great show of your Art Sculptures! I look forward to your creations over the next decades.
--Jan

Please let us know what inspiring sculptures you will be willing to sell. Like good wine, you get better and more complex with age.
--Mary Ann & Bill

We sure admire Bill’s remarkable talents; we treasure his Wood Sculptures Book and have ‘oohed & awed’ over every carving of his that we ever had the pleasure of seeing. He has touched our lives.
--Tami & Scott

Bill, your wood sculptures are beautiful and invite a touching hand.
--Jim & Irene

Your creations in wood are an inspiration; they motivate me to bring the most out of the woods I work with.
--Rick

Bill, you have brought life out of wood in so many ways with passion and beauty.
--Bob & Merry

Sometimes I just can’t believe that I know such an exciting, interesting, and talented man. I get the feeling that there is never a dull moment around here. A lot of chips have been flying around here for the last forty years and the results are amazing.
--Marilyn & Chris

Bill, you are such a gifted artist. What a pleasure to partake in the beauty of your creations.
--Bobbi

Two words describe your book – VERY IMPRESSIVE. The quality of the photographs, the paper, the organization of the material, and of course, the subjects themselves – your creations – certainly speak to a quality publication in every aspect. You are truly a great artist.
--Richard

Your sculptures are breathtaking, and while each one stands on its own, I particularly love the Bobcat piece. What a remarkable work of art. Thanks for your wonderful book.
--Edward

Thanks for sharing your talent in your beautiful book of illustrations of your wonderful wood sculptures.
--Roberta

What a beautiful cradle! You have such talent and that little baby is very lucky to receive all that love from Grandpa.
--Mike & Phyllis

You are unbelievable. I’ve never seen any work like yours, what talent.
--Sally

Bill you’re an amazing artist, with great vision, tremendous talent, and work ethic. My goal is to be able to own an original of yours.
--Sandy & Tom

You are so talented, I’m envious of your work.
--Dave

What happiness to have reached such a productive and beautiful point in your life! Isn’t it marvelous to have achieved such a point to realize the culmination of dreams of a lifetime? We’re so glad to call you friend.
--Betty & Alex

Dear Bill, your giving of your art to all of us has been gracious to each of our souls. Fortunately, we have been granted the privilege of keeping one of your art forms in our living room…and we treasure it. It’s great knowing a true artist who just happens to be a good friend.
--Nidra & Bill

Your work, especially the cradles is a labor of love. Thanks for sharing.
--Barbara & Ralph

Bill, you are so awesome! Every time I see a piece of your artwork, I think I’ve seen it all…and then you dazzle me anew! This cradle is a fabulous heirloom – you are the epitome of an Artisan.
--Sue & John

What a spectacular exhibit from an extraordinarily talented artist. We are so proud to be owners of a “Heynen Original”.
--Nancy & Jeff

Thank you for sharing such spectacular work. Your passions show.
--Laura

Your artwork is original and beautiful, and words cannot describe my appreciation for being able to witness your projects and developments throughout my life time.
--Kristin

Bill, Love the cradle! You are the master. Thank you for the gift of friendship.
--Jim & Chris

You continue to be an inspiration. Love seeing your work and we value your friendship.
--Rudy & Judy

Congratulations, Bill, on another phenomenal work of art. We are so impressed with your talent, meticulous care and attention to detail.
--Sherri & Hank

Your talent has to be God given to have been so awesome.
--Bob & Joyce

During visits to your home, Bill was always warm, kind, and modest about his amazing and gifted talent. Those beautiful sculptures in your home were stunning. To be able to take a block of wood and create such magnificent creatures was awe-inspiring.
--Robin

We met Bill when they stopped to visit us in Hawaii. As we walked around the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, what caught Bill’s eye was a solid wood hostess stand at the entrance to the restaurant. He talked about what he would carve from that beautiful piece of wood. My husband, the carpenter, would be more likely to hone in on the woodwork around the restaurant to see how well it was constructed. Bill, on the other hand, could envision what the big hunk of wood could become. That is a sign of an inspired artist. We were able to obtain Bill’s book, Dynamic Creations, and we could not believe the myriad of wood sculptures that he created. Many years later, we finally visited Joan and Bill’s home, where we witnessed firsthand many of his exquisite creations, from the horse to the railings, all carved lovingly by Bill. Every piece was breathtaking. Sadly, Bill left this earthly world too soon but his work will always be a lasting testament to his artistic talents.
--Debbie & Steve

We have always enjoyed Bill’s humor and his stories. His skills as a wood sculptor were unmatched. We really miss him; may he rest in peace.
--Tony & Pam

When I think of Bill, I see his big smile and feel his positive attitude.
--B & P

When one leaves this earth, it is a special gift to leave precious things behind. Not only did Bill leave a loving family, but he left amazing artwork as a lasting gift. Bill was always happy to give tours of his workshop with beautiful complete sculptures, those in the process, and visions he had for lovely pieces of wood. He was an amazing artist who loved to share and teach. He lived a life of service, love for others, and joy with his artistry. He left his mark.
--Dawn

One of my favorite memories of Bill was visiting him at the Long Beach house for the Long Beach Open Studio Art Tour. I enjoyed viewing his masterpieces and taking home amazing cutting boards that I cherish. What a talent!
--Bobbi

I remember being at an Open House where Bill displayed his wood carvings. What exquisite work! You and Bill were a team. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. May memories comfort you.
--Margie

I have so many great memories of “Uncle Bill.” I remember his laugh, his water skiing so long ago with two skis. It looked so funny to me because he was so tall & he would have to bend his knees and point them to “cut” across the wake at higher than typical speed…always with the largest grin on his face. Boat Parade and Fourth of July parties at the beach house were filled with fun as we were surrounded by his beautiful wood carvings. Bill made a cradle and I had the honor to use it when I had my first child, Erin. I kept it in the living room because I wanted those visiting to see it. I am still using the jewelry holder with a lid Bill made for me for my wedding. Probably my earliest memory of Bill was seeing the carved female form that sat on the top of my dad’s credenza. As a young girl, I wondered why my parents always displayed that because the woman had no clothes on. My parents still have it displayed to this day. I miss your goofy grin & laugh “Uncle Bill.”
--Kristi

I have been a long-time friend and woodcarving cohort of Bill. In fact, it was Bill who saw my carvings and insisted that I become a participant in the Long Beach Open Studio Tour, which I have been doing for many years, because of Bill. I have truly enjoyed viewing his magnificent carvings with him and listening to him tell how he got his inspirations and the methods he used to create his masterpieces. Our friendship was built on our appreciation of the carving process, but also the mutual admiration of our individual ways of expressing our wood creations. Our love of wood brought us together and gave us a truly wonderful shared fellowship.
--Bob Rosenfield

Willie and I were always in awe as we viewed Bill’s art work. What a talent! He will be missed.
--Sharon

Bill and I lived together our first two years of college. We were not only room-mates and team-mates, we were brothers. We grew from boys to men…good ones I believe. I love Bill and think of him often.
--Chuck

Bill was a wonderful basketball player, even a better friend. He was as motivated as anyone I have ever known. When I think of the word success, I picture Bill Heynen! His success on the BB Court was only overshadowed by his success in all areas of his life.
--Bob Dye

We loved having Bill as a neighbor. It was always so interesting to watch him work his magic on a piece of wood. Sometimes he would even ask us to model.
--Nancy

There are no words that adequately describe or define all the attributes and skills embodied in our good friend, Bill. To say that he is missed does not begin to define the immensity of his loss. Even so, we are gifted with memories of humor, laughter, joy, artistic creativity, boldness, and adventure – not to mention a capacity for eyebrow raising remarks. His smile could easily warm up an entire room. We are so glad to have counted him as a good friend. A comforting sense of his presence remains with us through these memories.
--Phyllis

On his visit with Joan to us here in the north of Germany, Bill is remembered by us as a person with, it is true, limited touristic interests but so harmoniously centered in his world of artistic craftmanship, with such a becoming athletic physique and bestowed with an unobtrusive natural authority plus a genial sense of humor that he easily conquered our and especially our three children’s hearts. We will always remember him as the blessing of our dear friend Joan’s life.
Wir erinnern uns an Bill bei seinem Besuch mit Joan heir in Norddeutschland als Jemand mit zwar begrenzten touristischen interessen – aber so harmonisch in seinem Kunsthandwerk verankert, mit einer derart eindrucksvollen sportlichen Figur, gepaart mit einer naturlichen unaufdringlichen Autoritat plus einem einnehmendem Sinn fur Humor, dass er im Flug unsere Herzen und besonders die unserer drei Kinder gewann. Wir denken an ihn als den grossen Segen im Leben unserer Freudin Joan.
--Hartwig & Gisela

One of my favorite memories of Bill was during the 50th Year High School Reunion for Hawthorne High School. Laverta and I flew down and planned to stay with Bill & Joan for just a couple of nights at their Beach house (2bed/1bath) then we would all cruise to Catalina for the big Reunion. The day before we were to sail, we noticed lots of smoke coming up from the horizon over the water. That was the year (2007) that Catalina had a major fire and the island was shut down to all tourists. Change of plans. We stayed with Bill and Joan the rest of the week. Bill was so good to put up with the three of us as we talked and laughed of our time in High School. He showed immeasurable patience. He is one of the good guys.
--Nancy

Bill and I played on the 1957 State play-off team, this was one of the best at Fullerton College. He was first in rebounding & first in anything he did in life. Teammate forever,
--Garry Dougan

For over 35+ years Bill & Joan have been our neighbors. Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand. We enjoyed dinners out, going to POPs Concerts and playing cards. Bill had an amazing talent to look at a block of wood and sculpt something beautiful out of it. We miss Bill every day.
--Clare & Denise

I feel blessed to have had Bill as a cherished friend. He gave me hours and hours of laughter throughout many travels, parties, and foursome/threesome meals and discussions. It was awesome to see the huge devilish grin on his face when he made others laugh. Miss you Big Guy!
--Sue

It was such a pleasure for Frank and me to meet Bill in June 2014 for his book signing held in his lovely home. We were able to see first-hand some of Bill’s work beautifully captured in full color in his book that was on display. He took us into his workshop where we were shown his many specialized tools including different types of saws. It was amazing to hear how a project was first conceived in Bill’s mind, then he would draw or sketch what he had in mind, then set about taking a piece of wood, shaping it and “crafting” it into a magnificent piece of Art! The talent Bill had was truly a gift from God!
--Sally

We will always remember our fun cruise from New England up to Quebec. We should have counted how many games of cards we played; I think Bill won them all! He was a good winner, he barely gloated. I remember how wet we all got on the jet boat in Newfoundland, what a ride! We have had wonderful times and great memories. Bill was always so much fun to be around. We loved his sense of humor.
--Marlou & Norm

Willie and I were always in awe as we viewed Bill’s art work. What a talent! He will be missed.
--Sharon

There are so many memories of Bill over the years, however his continued love and support is what I will always be grateful for and cherish. He continued to welcome me, love me and my family without judgement, just grace. He loved my carrot cake! It is a blessing to bake for someone who truly enjoys it, and Bill did. I keep one of his thank you notes in with my Tupperware. It is a sweet surprise each time I see it. Bill is missed dearly.
--Wendy

A tribute to Bill, a most versatile man whose remarkable artistry is spread far and wide. We will always remember his kindness and caring as well as his talent – too enormous to hide!
--Janet

Uncle Bill always made me feel special. I was his “niecey.” He always encouraged me to do better and reach further when it came to my education, I am a high school teacher. The career path I chose was in many ways due to his influence along with others. He was a BIG influence in my life, that continues even now. I miss you Uncle, miss hearing your encouragement, & experiencing your sense of humor. I will carry you in my heart always.
--Lia

Tall, handsome, always smiling – this is how we remember Bill. He was so genuine and easy to be around. His talent turned so many blocks of wood into amazing art objects. When one limb of our big olive tree needed to be taken off, he salvaged what he could and turned it into two beautiful freeform pieces that grace our home to this day. We also were able to acquire a handsome grizzly bear from him that sits prominently in our living room. Once when Bill and Joan were up at our cabin at Pine Mountain Club for the weekend he created a lovely fish for me, adding to my fish art collection. To tour the Heynen house is like visiting a museum. Bill was indeed a master wood sculptor. We and all his friends felt most fortunate to be witnesses to his tremendous talent. We miss him dearly.
--Dave & Bonnie

My memories of Grandpa essentially revolve around his jokes and mannerisms. His classic greeting when I show up, “Reed man! You are not nearly as ugly as you used to be!” He would teach me to wood carve with him, watching me move the gouge possibly too deep or too shallow and I would hear, “do it like this, give it to me.” He was a man who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. You could find him watching over Glendora like a hawk in his chair out front. I will miss him spotting me and doing the longest standing up movement every time. Grandpa created a strong community around him and culture of consistency. As Reed’s fiancé, I could see how Reed looked up to him for strength, kindness, and humor. By Grandpa’s example Reed learned to put family needs first. I am thankful for Grandpa’s guidance so he can stand as an immortal reminder and inspiration of how to be a great provider. I am honored to take Reed’s name because Bill established the Heynen legacy in his lifetime of service to his family. Thank you, Grandpa, for everything.
--Reed & Asia

Loved his sense of humor. Bill always made you feel special, as though you had been long time friends.
--Charlene

I am the wife of Coach Gene Victor, who was Bill’s basketball coach at El Monte High School. We would see Bill at El Monte reunions and reminisce fun stories about the team. Gene felt strongly that his team think about going to college or learn a trade to support themselves for the future. Bill has always thanked him for his persistence. For at least 20 years+ we attended the 4th of July party to see other players from El Monte. Gene enjoyed all desserts, especially Joan’s apple pie, which he ate first. Bill remembered Gene’s birthday and would call him off and on just to chat over the years. Gene was very proud of Bill and all his accomplishments. We feel we lost a wonderful, caring friend and have great memories of his laugh and humor.
--Jennifer

Uncle Bill was likely the most mischievous of my uncles. He was always the first to ask if I had a boyfriend and would tell jokes that could make me blush. Some of my favorite memories include our Christmas Candy stealing & strategizing with my family for the best prize or Jeff’s basketball games at Claremont. I will always remember Uncle Bill’s laugh, the twinkle in his eye and how proud he was of his family.
--Robin

I would like to say this about Bill: As a lifetime finish carpenter, I would have to say Bill’s skill set was on an entirely different level! His attention to detail, imagination and artistry were second to none!
--Bob

Always enjoyed talking about his wood carvings and upcoming projects. Sharing Peanut M&M’s was a must. All the teasing as a youngster helped me become the person I am today.
--Kevin

My memory of a tall handsome man with a big smile is a constant as I look around my house at his carvings. The fish out of water…content with its surroundings, the cattle stomping off to new pastures, the duck looking up towards heaven and the heron…at peace with its beak on its chest.
--Mary Ann

We are so glad that we had the chance to get to know you. When thinking of you, we remember you vividly and with great gratitude as a loving father and grandfather, a wonderful husband who made Joan glow with love and happiness, and as a great artist who shared his vision of the world with everyone else. Thank you. You will stay forever in our hearts.
--Bettina & Dietmar

When Bill died, I was feeling the loss of a friend who was a big part of my adult life. When I first started teaching Auto Shop, Bill was in an old Quonset hut next door. The floor would creak and move up and down whenever someone walked on it. I could hear his singing “Hubba, Hubba” when the clean-up bell rang. He always had the hot water on and his place was great for our “nutrition group;” people would come from all over campus to join us. He graduated to a new air-conditioned building later.
 Bill was always “up” and in a good mood and this cheered me up if I was having problems or felt down. You know he liked to give people a little bad time, I am a little color blind and sometimes he would say when I wore a strange combination of clothes “you got out before Mary Ann checked you.” He would clean my coffee cup out with sandpaper. He was a good friend to all and wanted everyone to do well.
 Bill did well with whatever he worked at, giving more than 100% always. Besides his regular assignment teaching Creative Wood Sculpture, he worked during his prep-period and taught Driver’s Ed, Driver’s Training, and had an evening sculpture class at Montebello and at Cal State Los Angeles. Someone once asked one of our teachers if he was going to take over the class when Bill retired, he answered “follow Bill Heynen, no way.”
 When he attended real estate classes and did well in these, he briefly thought about quitting teaching. He had most of the coffee clutch following him into real estate ventures, helping us work and take care of our investments. He was fastidious about record keeping, recording every mile driven and every penny spent on his rental properties.
 Every so often, after he retired, he would get the 8-12 Industrial Arts teachers for a lunch of potato soup and good bakery bread. He would say, “no problem… just a few phone calls.” No one else made the effort. When we retired, I would see Bill every Wednesday. We would go to lunch and have a good time talking about many things.
 Our Wednesday get-togethers are missed, and my great friend is missed.
--Bill

GRANDPOPS (a poem)
The rustle in the echoes of the trees
Standing firm
The warmth of a summer rain
Signaling springs return
The crackle of a roaring fire
Time stops
Stars shine brighter
An ocean breeze that ripples through
The neighborhood
Laying salt crystals on every doorstep
A familiar face in a crowd
A boisterous eruption of laughter
Dragonflies follow me everywhere now
A song you seem to know all the words to
A phrase you can’t get out of your head
Fireworks on the beach
Driving past “bent out of shape” more times than I could count
Sandpapered edges
The sonorous melody of perhaps
The sun on my face
A morning glow
--Corinne Thomas