Herbert Heiman, 85, of Portland, Oregon passed Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 6:16 pm. He died in his home in the presence of his family after a 15 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Herb was born March 14, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA to Abe and Ida Heiman. Herb is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elaine, his sister Marian, his three sons, Reuven, Jeff and Steve, grandchildren Hodelia, Rahel, Oshrat, Avraham and Batsheva and two great-grandsons Aiden and Ethan.
Herb was never one to take the road well traveled. A Theater Arts major at UCLA (BA 1956), he joined the army and was assigned to become a paratrooper. After 5 jumps, he realized jumping from perfectly good planes was not for him, and spent the rest of his time in the military entertaining the troops throughout the south.
When people ask what dad did, I respond, "What didn't he do?"
Promotional director to KRLA, the #1 rock station in LA, insurance broker to music and athletic stars in LA (Glen Campbell, The O'Jays, Barry White, Rosie Greer, Maurie Wills, Willie Davis, and many more), organic farmer in Central Oregon, professional mime, middle school Special Ed educator, Tai Chi teacher, award-winning author of an adolescent novel (Running on Dreams - 2007), unsuccessful author of three screenplays and inventor of an unsuccessful music industry board game. He also was the inventor of the Candy Cocksicle (use your imagination).
Herb was a wonderful loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. His love and compassion for others were truly his defining characteristics. He loved to help others and he made it his life's work to make people smile.
He succeeded! He will be missed.
Guestbook
Hi Christopher Your note was so touching. Thank you for your sweet words. Elaine
I first met Herb back in '81, I believe it was, when he came to my hometown to do a seminar on pantomime. I was a senior in high school at the time, and he heard through the grapevine about a performance at a State drama competition that had won me first place in the mime category. He and I -- along with his lovely wife, Elaine, and a couple of my classmates -- had performed several shows together in the area. It was an experience that I will never forget, and often look back on with great fondness. Herb was a good man with a gentle heart who spread joy and laughter whenever and wherever he could. He will always have a special place in my heart. Much love to you and the family, Elaine. Christopher Baker Hermiston High School Class of 1982
Christopher Baker sends their condolences.