Dr. Richard C. Heathcote

Dr. Richard Carl Heathcote, 70, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on November 21st, 2022, from complications of a stroke.

Rich was born in Charles City, Iowa on December 6th, 1951. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High and received a B.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Iowa and a M.S. in Geology from the University of Arkansas. He was married to Susan Kay Hudson on August 18th, 1974, at the First Christian Church in Iowa City. He had several different careers in his life, but none endeared him more to his family than the time he took to be a stay-at-home dad for his young children, a choice so uncommon at the time that it garnered him attention by a local news station in Bakersfield, CA.

Richard was retired after many years working in public service as an investigator for the Iowa Attorney General. He had a passion for geology, which he shared with his wife Susan, and was an active member in the Geological Society of America. His rock and mineral collection was massive and became a source of wonder and discovery for his grandchildren when it was dispersed around his backyard in Des Moines. His backyard was also a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly songbirds, thanks to the myriad of birdfeeders that Rich dutifully maintained. He was a voracious reader, especially of scientific nonfiction and mystery novels, and he used that knowledge to help him complete the New York Times crossword each morning (usually before most of his family was out of bed). He loved cooking for his family, his spicy gumbo was legendary, and he would often befriend the staff of his favorite local restaurants to pick up new tips and techniques. Rich was at his happiest relaxing after having prepared and shared a wonderful meal with his family, a glass of red wine (usually from Sonoma County) in hand, and his kitty on his lap.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; his two sons, Adam (Katie) Heathcote and Edward (Linda) Heathcote; his four grandchildren, Dylan, Wesley, Henry, and Madison; his three siblings, Sue (Kevin) Boyens, Paul (Deb) Heathcote, and Carla Heathcote; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved kitty Zoë. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Genevieve (nee Hanson) Heathcote.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Rich’s memory to Whiterock Conservancy, where he spent time enjoying nature and developing a geologic field guide for the area.

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