Rick Heise

Rick Heise, beloved husband, father, teacher, and friend, passed away at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy on November 13, 2025, at the age of 52. He was born on March 24, 1973, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to Norm and Wendy Heise.

Rick grew up in Churchbridge, where he excelled both academically and athletically. In 1987, his family moved to a farm north of Churchbridge—a place that became a source of pride and shaped much of who he was. Education was important to Rick, and he was proud to serve as the Churchbridge High School Valedictorian for the Class of 1991.

His love of learning led him to the University of Manitoba, where he earned his Bachelor of Education in 1995 and his Baccalaureate Certificate in Educational Psychology in 1996. He remained a loyal and proud U of M alumnus throughout his life.

In 1997, Rick met Erin, the love of his life. They were married on August 12, 2000, and together built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and deep devotion to their family.

Rick began his teaching career at Little Saskatchewan Reserve in Manitoba, where he worked for three years before joining the staff at Esterhazy High School in the fall of 1999. Over the next 26 years, he became a pillar of the school community—respected, trusted, and deeply admired by students and colleagues alike. He shared his passion for computers and literature with his students, inspiring many to pursue their own interests in higher education.

Dedicated to continually growing as an educator, Rick completed his Certificate in Computing and Information Systems from Athabasca University in 2008, followed by his Master of Education in Technology and Design from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016.

Rick and Erin welcomed their first daughter, Shelby, in July 2001, and their second daughter, Sara, in June 2004. His family was his world. He was endlessly proud of his girls—of Shelby for completing her Nursing degree, and of Sara for following in his footsteps to become a teacher.

Outside the classroom, Rick lived a life rich with varied passions. He ran a side business, Rick’s Tech Shop, where he repaired phones, computers, and networks for the community. He loved classic rock—especially Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe—and enjoyed hockey, baseball, curling, and football, and was an active member of his church. Rick enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his daughters and enjoyed coaching their baseball and soccer teams. He spent more than two decades coaching school teams of volleyball and curling, assisting with track and field, and volunteering on the football chains at EHS. In 2021, he was honoured with the Sea Star Award for Leadership, a testament to his meaningful impact on the school community.

Rick also had a special love for his Mustang cars and his Harley Davidson. His prized 1986 5.0L Mustang Cobra Fox body GT— and his 2008 Shelby GT 500 brought him immense joy. He could often be found in his garage with the big door open, classic rock playing, working on his vehicles with a smile on his face. He enjoyed taking his Mustangs to car shows, riding his Harley, camping at Clear Lake, and spending summers helping on the family farm in Churchbridge. These moments were made even more special because he shared them with his family.

Rick is survived by his wife, Erin Heise (Foster); their daughters, Shelby and Sara; his father, Norm Heise; his brother, Rod Heise (Corrine); his mother-in-law, Alda Foster and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Wendy Heise, and his father-in-law, Harold Foster.

Rick will be remembered for his kindness, his humour, his steady presence, and the way he made those around him feel valued and capable. His legacy lives on in his family, his students, his colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his influence and spirit will continue to guide and inspire for years to come.