Valley philanthropist Richard James Heckmann dies at 76
Richard James Heckmann, the former CEO of United States Filter and a prominent valley philanthropist, has died from complications from Parkinson's Disease.
Heckman was 76, a resident of Bermuda Dunes, and an owner of the NBA Phoenix Suns basketball team.
Susan Estay, a family friend, confirmed Heckman's death with News Channel 3.
Heckman died at home October 31st.
Estay said the entrepreneur was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 8th, 1943 to Phil and Ruth Heckmann. He was a serial entrepreneur even as a child, working to plow snow off driveways in the winter and as a golf caddy in the summer.
Estay said Heckman had planned to be a priest until a jet flew over his head and instantly decided to be a pilot instead. He joined the Air Force and fought bravely in the Vietnam War.
Dick sold his first company, a small business called Tower Scientific, in 1978. He then moved to Washington D.C. where he worked in the White House to help the Carter Administration improve the Small Business Association. He had many thoughts on the subject, according to Estay.
Heckman was involved in a number of charities in the Coachella Valley, including the American Cancer Society.
Estay said
He is survived by his wife, Wendy Heckmann, and their daughters Mia and Madison. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Mary, and their children Tom, Scott, Brock, Todd and Jessica. He had another son, Greg, prior to his marriage with Mary.
