REFERENCE TITLE: Gene Heppard; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

HR 2013

Introduced by

Representative Longdon

A Resolution

                       on the death of gene heppard.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Gene Heppard, much-beloved community leader, passed away on August 23, 2021, at the age of forty-nine.

Born on April 8, 1972, Gene was a pillar in the "disability community" and through his actions helped countless people achieve better lives.

Gene was injured in a skiing accident in Colorado in 1993, and the resulting spinal cord injury left him with quadriplegia. Immediately after leaving the rehab hospital, Gene set about finding ways to help others and to advocate for a more inclusive, more accessible community.

Gene was well-known for his sense of humor and upbeat demeanor, which made him a popular, persuasive and effective member of the many councils, committees and boards that sought his membership. Among the organizations he was involved with were the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, Ability360 and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association.

Gene Heppard was also a proud member of the Maricopa County Community College District family for more than twenty-five years, serving fearlessly at the heart of the Disability Resources and Services Department at Phoenix College. As Director of Disability Resources/Services & Veterans Services, Gene helped veterans and students with disabilities access services and resources so they could achieve their dreams.  He was always one of the most popular people on campus.

Gene would want us all to remember his favorite Irish proverb: "There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be!"

Gene is survived by his soulmate, Rhonda Haver, his son, Mark, his grandson, Jaxson, his mother and stepfather, Sylvia and Chris Forward, his twin brother, Glen Heppard, and wife, Kelly, his sister, Tammy and husband, Jot Powers, and his six nephews and two nieces. He was proceeded in death by his father, Keith Heppard.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives sincerely regret the passing of Gene Heppard and extend their most sincere sympathies and condolences to his surviving relatives.