University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Robert Heiny Passes Away at 74
7/29/2016 9:23:00 AM | General
GREELEY, Colo. – Current Faculty Athletic Representative and UNC Athletics Hall of Fame member Dr. Robert Heiny passed away July, 24 at the age of 74. In the world of athletics, he was a statesman, impacting the lives of student-athletes for over 30 years.
Dr. Heiny is survived by his three children, Erik, Tanya and Greg and extensive family members.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Bob Heiny. He has been a tremendous advocate for UNC Athletics, our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Director of Athletics Darren Dunn said. "He was a special and engaging professor, administrator, mentor and friend to so many people over four decades. He was such a tremendous person who always cared about others before himself. My thoughts and prayers are with Tanya, Erik, Greg and their entire family, as he will be dearly missed."
A faculty member of Northern Colorado since 1967, Dr. Heiny has been a loyal supporter of athletics for nearly 50 years and witnessed some of the greatest moments in the department's history, more than likely while wearing his infamous khaki shorts.
In 1983 he became a staple around Butler-Hancock as the Faculty Athletic Representative, a post he held on two different occasions, accumulating 28 years of service. Dr. Heiny provided oversight and advice on NCAA issues and reviewed the well-being of thousands of student-athletes to ensure that they were thriving academically.
During his tenure as FAR, he served on the NCAA Financial Aid and Amateurism Committee, was President of the North Central Conference in 1986 and 1996, and was chair of the UNC Board of Athletic Control.
He also guided the department during the transition to Division I, serving as the interim athletic director in 2004.
"Dr. Heiny told me when we last spoke that he loved what he did so much, that he didn't feel like he worked a day in his life," University President Kay Norton said. "He made everything he did look effortless, even when it clearly wasn't. I think that was because it was, for him, not an effort to be warm, genuine, reliable and straightforward."
One thing is certain, Dr. Heiny could hold your interest. He had a way of adding profundity to everything he said because he truly believed in his mission at UNC. This was evident as the "Bear Heiny's", a group he founded for the Women's Walk, raised the most donations each year for the past eight years to support women's athletic scholarships.
His philanthropic dedications to the golf programs and student-athlete scholarships will continue to be demonstrated each day to every person who walks by the Bob and Linnea Golf Offices in the Athletic Center, proving his influence on the department and well beyond will be felt for many years to come.
Dr. Heiny received one of the highest honors Northern Colorado Athletics bestows, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 for his unwavering support and contribution.
A Grand Junction native, he was an exceptional golfer and basketball player at Colorado College and earned his master's and doctorate degrees in Mathematical Sciences from Colorado State University.
A memorial service and reception will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2016, at First Congregational Church in Greeley. A private inurnment will take place at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UNC Foundation Bob Heiny Memorial, or to TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.
"Bob was just a wonderful person. He had a huge heart, a contagious smile and always brightened up a room. Bob was so gracious and giving to the Athletic Department, all the staff and coaches and the student-athletes. He went out of his way to be accessible, especially around his golf game, and contributed whenever he could. Bob was a true fan of our student-athletes in the classroom and on the playing field, and always supported the efforts of the Department." – Sarah Adams, Associate Athletic Director/SWA
"Just in my short time at UNC Dr. Heiny became a role model for me at work and in life. What a wonderful human being, our team loved Dr. Heiny as he always had a kind word whether the team played well or struggled! Golf was Dr. Heiny's favorite sport, but he loved collegiate athletics and especially Bear Athletics!" – Roger Prenzlow, Men's Golf Head Coach
"I've had the privilege to know Dr. Heiny since my playing days twenty years ago. Dr. Heiny is UNC! He was a math professor, faculty athletic rep, interim AD, friend, supporter, advocate, the ultimate Bear fan, and of course avid golfer (always wearing shorts regardless of the weather!). He poured his entire life into UNC and the athletic program. I thank him and appreciate him for that. I am so thankful I had the chance to know Dr. Heiny. He will truly be missed by me and all other UNC Bears. 'Bear Down!'" – Keith Grable, Wide Receivers Coach
"Bob's influence has played a significant role in my life, starting as a student-athlete and continuing into my professional career. I know many other colleagues and former teammates can say the same. Bob led by example with his generous heart, love for his family, loyalty to UNC, dedication to student-athletes and overall zest for life. His approach to life is something we all should strive for. We will miss seeing his contagious smile, hearing his infectious laugh, receiving his continued words of wisdom and prospering from his constant support. The impact Bob made will never be forgotten, and will live on in all of us." – Jenny Shoop, Senior Director of Development
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Heiny family during this difficult time. We will never forget the contributions he made to the University and the positive impact he had on hundreds of students and people throughout the Greeley community. No matter what sporting event would be going on at UNC, you would always see Bob there with a smile on his face cheering on his beloved Bears. He was a tremendous person who had an infectious positivity to him that lifted everyone up around him. I already miss running into him at the golf course which seemed to be just about every week. He would always take the time to stop between his walk to the 10th tee to catch up and see how the girls on the team were progressing. Bob was such a wonderful person who I feel honored to have known, and he will be forever missed. " – Stephen Bidne, Head Women's Golf Coach
Dr. Heiny is survived by his three children, Erik, Tanya and Greg and extensive family members.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Bob Heiny. He has been a tremendous advocate for UNC Athletics, our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Director of Athletics Darren Dunn said. "He was a special and engaging professor, administrator, mentor and friend to so many people over four decades. He was such a tremendous person who always cared about others before himself. My thoughts and prayers are with Tanya, Erik, Greg and their entire family, as he will be dearly missed."
A faculty member of Northern Colorado since 1967, Dr. Heiny has been a loyal supporter of athletics for nearly 50 years and witnessed some of the greatest moments in the department's history, more than likely while wearing his infamous khaki shorts.
In 1983 he became a staple around Butler-Hancock as the Faculty Athletic Representative, a post he held on two different occasions, accumulating 28 years of service. Dr. Heiny provided oversight and advice on NCAA issues and reviewed the well-being of thousands of student-athletes to ensure that they were thriving academically.
During his tenure as FAR, he served on the NCAA Financial Aid and Amateurism Committee, was President of the North Central Conference in 1986 and 1996, and was chair of the UNC Board of Athletic Control.
He also guided the department during the transition to Division I, serving as the interim athletic director in 2004.
"Dr. Heiny told me when we last spoke that he loved what he did so much, that he didn't feel like he worked a day in his life," University President Kay Norton said. "He made everything he did look effortless, even when it clearly wasn't. I think that was because it was, for him, not an effort to be warm, genuine, reliable and straightforward."
One thing is certain, Dr. Heiny could hold your interest. He had a way of adding profundity to everything he said because he truly believed in his mission at UNC. This was evident as the "Bear Heiny's", a group he founded for the Women's Walk, raised the most donations each year for the past eight years to support women's athletic scholarships.
His philanthropic dedications to the golf programs and student-athlete scholarships will continue to be demonstrated each day to every person who walks by the Bob and Linnea Golf Offices in the Athletic Center, proving his influence on the department and well beyond will be felt for many years to come.
Dr. Heiny received one of the highest honors Northern Colorado Athletics bestows, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 for his unwavering support and contribution.
A Grand Junction native, he was an exceptional golfer and basketball player at Colorado College and earned his master's and doctorate degrees in Mathematical Sciences from Colorado State University.
A memorial service and reception will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2016, at First Congregational Church in Greeley. A private inurnment will take place at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UNC Foundation Bob Heiny Memorial, or to TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.
"Bob was just a wonderful person. He had a huge heart, a contagious smile and always brightened up a room. Bob was so gracious and giving to the Athletic Department, all the staff and coaches and the student-athletes. He went out of his way to be accessible, especially around his golf game, and contributed whenever he could. Bob was a true fan of our student-athletes in the classroom and on the playing field, and always supported the efforts of the Department." – Sarah Adams, Associate Athletic Director/SWA
"Just in my short time at UNC Dr. Heiny became a role model for me at work and in life. What a wonderful human being, our team loved Dr. Heiny as he always had a kind word whether the team played well or struggled! Golf was Dr. Heiny's favorite sport, but he loved collegiate athletics and especially Bear Athletics!" – Roger Prenzlow, Men's Golf Head Coach
"I've had the privilege to know Dr. Heiny since my playing days twenty years ago. Dr. Heiny is UNC! He was a math professor, faculty athletic rep, interim AD, friend, supporter, advocate, the ultimate Bear fan, and of course avid golfer (always wearing shorts regardless of the weather!). He poured his entire life into UNC and the athletic program. I thank him and appreciate him for that. I am so thankful I had the chance to know Dr. Heiny. He will truly be missed by me and all other UNC Bears. 'Bear Down!'" – Keith Grable, Wide Receivers Coach
"Bob's influence has played a significant role in my life, starting as a student-athlete and continuing into my professional career. I know many other colleagues and former teammates can say the same. Bob led by example with his generous heart, love for his family, loyalty to UNC, dedication to student-athletes and overall zest for life. His approach to life is something we all should strive for. We will miss seeing his contagious smile, hearing his infectious laugh, receiving his continued words of wisdom and prospering from his constant support. The impact Bob made will never be forgotten, and will live on in all of us." – Jenny Shoop, Senior Director of Development
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Heiny family during this difficult time. We will never forget the contributions he made to the University and the positive impact he had on hundreds of students and people throughout the Greeley community. No matter what sporting event would be going on at UNC, you would always see Bob there with a smile on his face cheering on his beloved Bears. He was a tremendous person who had an infectious positivity to him that lifted everyone up around him. I already miss running into him at the golf course which seemed to be just about every week. He would always take the time to stop between his walk to the 10th tee to catch up and see how the girls on the team were progressing. Bob was such a wonderful person who I feel honored to have known, and he will be forever missed. " – Stephen Bidne, Head Women's Golf Coach
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