| Verne Heitman Dies |
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| Written by David Barron | |||
| Fri, April 04, 2008 04:46 PM | |||
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He was well known as an architect and planner who most recently served on the construction committee for the new Monterey Park Library and a member of several community organizations.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, April 19 at Harmony Center, 12907 E. Bailey, Whittier, at 2 p.m.
Mr. Heitman was born in Belleville, Illinois in 1922, but transplanted with his family to Los Angeles at age five. He had been a resident of Monterey Park since 1960.
He was a continual community volunteer, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a peace activist. He was a well-respected architect who ended a 23-year career with Los Angeles County as chief architect. He also served eight years as a city planning commission and two years as a member of the Design Review Board.
He served on many committees and boards, including the Vision 21 Project, the recycling committee, the Design Review Board, two Five-Year Plans, and attended countless council meetings where he was a frequent speaker. He also volunteered at the Humane Society and was always ready to help a friend or family, according to friends. Verne shied away from recognition for his volunteer work.
An active Democrat and Obama supporter, he was past president and treasurer of the United Democratic Club of Monterey Park and more recently also a member of the Concerned Citizens of Monterey Park.
He was pre-deceased by his dear wife of 53 years, Norma and several siblings. He is survived by three children - Susie Roulhac, Doug Heitman (daughter-in-law Nikki), Steven Heitman, and a brother, Roger Heitman, sister-in-law Jackie Heitman, a number of nieces and nephews, and a close fiend Janet Syberg and many friends.
After active service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Mr. Heitman attended University of Southern California and received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He worked for several architectural firms before starting his own business. He joined L.A. County in 1969 and managed many major county construction projects.
Editor’s Note: Article prepared from original draft by Tilda De Wolfe.
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