Damon Nelson Heck

Damon Nelson Heck passed away unexpectedly from unknown health problems on April 13, 2020, at the age of 42. Damon was born on January 5, 1978, at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls, Montana, to Julie and Rick Heck. Damon was the oldest of three boys, though he had several extra “brothers” who joined the Heck family throughout the years. The “brotherly love” the three experienced growing up is something that will never be forgotten. While he wasn’t an avid church attendee, Damon knew his Lord and Savior. Damon graduated from C.M. Russell High School in 1996, he then attended MSU Northern and MSU Bozeman. After returning to Great Falls, Damon began his work as a draftsman for the family business, Blue Mountain Enterprises. He eventually went to work at TC Glass as an accomplished glazier and automatics coordinator. Damon was a jack-of-all-trades—or as he would say, “It’s what I do.” There wasn’t much Damon couldn’t do, and if he didn’t know how to do something, he would figure it out—a skill he learned during his time as a Boy Scout. After Rick’s passing in 2006, Damon stepped up to help Julie with managing the family home. Damon met Amber in the summer of 2002, and was open about the fact that he knew, from first sight, he would marry her one day. By December of the same year, he knew he had won her heart, telling her bright and early one morning shortly after Christmas, “We should go look at rings today.” They were married on September 6, 2003, in Great Falls, MT. Four years later, on January 18, 2007, Damon and Amber were blessed with their first child, Kylor Gene. Two years later, on November 23, 2009, Kason John made his grand entrance. The boys have added to, and will continue, Damon’s hockey legacy. Kylor honors him by wearing Damon’s #51 jersey. Damon could not have been prouder of watching his boys play, and being a part of their hockey journey. On November 29, 2012, Damon became a girl dad, when Khloe Anne wrapped him around her little finger. Damon was adamant that his daughter would never play hockey, but it didn’t take long for him to realize he would give her anything she wanted. Recently, Khloe also decided to take to the ice, giving Damon the pleasure of becoming a figure skating dad. The family was complete when Koroa Rhee was born on January 14, 2019, and Damon’s heart was full. Damon always said that if he had a daughter, she would be named (Corey) KoRhee, and he finally got his wish. Damon loved his family more than words could say. Throughout his life, Damon was always active in sports, and tried out a few before falling in love with hockey. Damon started his hockey career as a junior novice, and he continued playing throughout high school and then moved on to the men’s league. Damon devoted countless hours to the sport—becoming a coach, mentor, and one of the best darn officials to ever hit the ice. Even as an adult, Damon was always active in sports, participating in multiple softball and golf leagues. He loved his friends dearly, and they all knew that they could count on Damon to help out with anything—or enjoy an ice-cold beer—as long as he wasn’t on the ice. One of his longest-running hobbies was hunting. Damon spent winters as a child hunting with his dad and brothers. Later, he spent many weekends walking through the woods with his father-in-law, and brothers-in-law, some of which were actually successful. Consistent with his giving nature, Damon enjoyed teaching and mentoring his nephews and other family members to learn the sport. Damon is survived by his wife, Amber Rivera Heck; sons, Kylor Gene and Kason John; daughters, Khloe Anne and Koroa Rhee; mother, Julie Nelson Heck; brothers, Nick (Trisha) Heck and Tanner (Kimberly) Heck; grandparents, Clif and Helen Heck, and Delores Nelson; father- and mother-in-law, Don and Denise Rivera; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews; and countless best friends. Damon was preceded in death by his father, Rick Heck; and his grandfather, Elder Nelson. Damon’s infectious smile, generous spirit, deep integrity, and dedication to hard work made an incalculable impact on many people. Somehow, he found a way to mean the world to anyone who was blessed to know him. While the pain of Damon’s passing has been deeply felt by many, comfort has been found in the knowledge that he continues to live on through the many memories and stories shared between friends and family. If you have a particular story you would like to share with Amber and the children, in order to make a memory book, please send the story to damonheckmemories@gmail.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Amber Rivera Heck to assist with the children’s needs. A memorial will be planned at a later date.