Edmund Walter Heath

Edmund Walter Heath, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 24, 2021 at the home he shared with his wife of 8 years, Joan Lipking, in Santa Rosa Valley, CA. 

He graduated from Beverly High School in Massachusetts, and joined the Navy as a seaman apprentice in April of 1944 as men were needed in World War II.  His first job was a radioman in the back seat of a 2-seater prop plane in World War II. Soon after that, the plane crashed into the ocean.  He then served on aircraft carriers where he was a communications specialist.  He graduated college while in the Navy, became a limited duty officer who rose to the grade of Commander, the highest rank possible for an ldo officer.  He was a Navy Cross recipient as well as numerous other medals.  He was respected by his men, and was a hero for his contribution to his country, his family, friends and loved ones.  He retired after 33 years in the Navy, 3 years longer than the mandatory 30 years as he was asked to continue serving.

He worked in the aerospace industry, retiring in 1986.  He joined the Masonic Lodge in Camarillo in 1989 and became a Most Illustrious Grand Master in 2003 and 2004.  He was a hero for his contribution to his country, his family, friends and loved ones.

He grew up during the Great Depression, rose from very little, but was smart and did what was required to handle whatever needed to be done.  He was a wonderful big brother to his 2 sisters, Joan and Jackie.  He was rewarded by his retirement in California, which was a paradise for him and his family.

He worked very hard, and had a great sense of work ethics, starting at 9 years old when he earned his first pair of shoes.  He loved to sing and dance, liked to cook and had a great sense of humor, which carried him through the difficulties in life.  He is survived by his sisters Joan (Leo, predeceased) and Jackie (Jack). His 3 wives predeceased him: Gertrude Yanok Heath, with whom he had 8 children:  Sandra (who predeceased him), James (Tessa, predeceased), Maryann, Melinda (Ragu), Roxanne, Michael (Beth), Timothy (Kathy), and Matthew (Suzanne); Dorothy Frost Heath; and his final love, Joan Lipking, who passed just 10 days prior to him, and her children Ronnie (Cathy) and Freddie (Dawn), who were their caregivers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and grand-dogs.  A special thank-you goes out to the Lipking family for their gracious and giving love to “Pop”.

Services will be held at a later date in Augusta, Maine at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association.