Russell Sterling Heater

Russell Sterling Heater
Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Friend

Russ was born August 19, 1958 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Sherman & Jerry Heater. Russ along with his three older brothers, Gary, Dan and Kurt enjoyed a childhood that included sports, camping, Boy Scouts, outdoor activities and tons of laughter in their close knit family. After graduating from GPHS in 1976, he went on to Southern Oregon State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and played basketball for the Red Raiders his Junior and Senior years.

On August 9, 1980 Russ married his soul mate Leslie Diane Pratt. Together they raised children Katie and Michael. As an athlete, he continued playing basketball, winning multiple titles on the family sponsored team and captured his share of hardware in golf and softball. He coached several youth teams as his children grew up. But his first love revolved around his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a fixture at Applegate Christian Fellowship and recently served in many capacities at Edgewater Christian Fellowship. The second love was his family, and he enjoyed sharing the outdoors, camping, fishing, hiking, sports, Reno Air Races and the frequent gatherings with his family and friends.

He began his real estate career in 1982 working for his parents at Sherm Heater Real Estate. In the community Russ was actively involved in Grants Pass Kiwanis including his presidency in 1992, Paint Your Heart Out, GPHS band, local charities and many roles in the Grants Pass Association of Realtors, including a term as President. In 2001, Russ along with his brother Kurt, purchased the family business, Prudential Sherm Heater Realtors. In 2007 Russ was recognized as Realtor of the Year for his business success and volunteer work in the Association. He was currently co-owner/broker of John L Scott Real Estate Grants Pass and Team Heater. A top producer in business, Russ will probably be remembered most for his warm smile, integrity, professionalism, calm manner and his encouragement to everyone he encountered. He had the gift of sending a timely note with just right words that many recipients continue to treasure.

He died suddenly, of heart failure, Wednesday November 27, 2013 while enjoying another outing with his family and friends. We will miss his quick wit and the continuous laughter that always erupted around him. He was preceded in death by his father Sherm and brother Gary. He is survived by his mother Jerry; his wife Leslie; children Katie and Michael; daughter-in-law Alicia; brothers, Dan & Darcie Heater and Kurt & Marianne Heater; sister-in-law, Ellen Heater; 10 nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; his aunt, Bonnie; Cousins, Linda Hill, Sharon Kruse, Janice Pratt, and Terri Rust all of Grants Pass.

After a private interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, a memorial service will be held at Parkway Christian Center at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Asante Foundation for the Grants Pass Association of Realtors Family House endowment, 500 SW Ramsey Avenue, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

The Family would like to thank the initial caregivers who answered the call last Wednesday and to all who have prayed for and wrapped their collective arms around us.

Psalms 37:23 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives”

~ The Heater Family ~