Lee Heflin
Marriages
Joyce Heflin
Burial Details
Obituaries
Vail Daily page A9 - June 18, 2011
Lee Heflin, 95, formerly of Vail and Summit County, putted out at high noon on June 6 in Sun City, Ariz. He leaves behind his wife of almost 52 years, Joyce; daughters Kelli and Andrea (Erik); and grandchildren Jakob, Kylee, Mason, Trevor, Tylor, Carter and Scott. He is also survived by his sister Lois, numerous nieces and nephews and a boatload of people who considered him their dad. He was pre-deceased by a daughter, Diane.
Lee was born on March 5, 1916, in Arkansas. He joined the Army in 1936 and was immediately sent to Fitzsimmons for treatment of tuberculosis. It was at Fitzsimmons that he developed a lifelong love of the game of golf. He was honorably discharged in 1937 and it was noted on his papers that his character was “excellent.†Anyone who knew him could attest to what an excellent character he was.
He met his future wife, Joyce, at Arapahoe Basin, while they were on the Ski Patrol. Lee worked many years on the bunny hill there as a lift operator.
At the Heflin house, Lee was the chief breakfast cook, specializing in pecan pancakes and ham gravy with biscuits. He was also an excellent medical provider, offering both horse manure and merthiolate (taken off the market because it contained heavy metals) for all injuries, which were surprisingly cured prior to the application of either.
After he retired from his Farmer's Insurance agency, he worked as a starter at the Vail Golf Course for a number of years. Lee was famous for his PA announcements, and, if you were really lucky, you were treated to his rendition of “Happy Birthday†over the PA.
Per his wishes, there were no services. Placement of his cremains will be at the National Cemetery in Arizona. If you are so inclined, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or buy a round in his honor.
