Dieter Heinz
Dieter Heinz, 70, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Sunday, April 3, 2011. Dieter will be missed and remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and students around the globe.
Dieter was born and educated in Germany and became a U.S. citizen in 1970. He was a chemist and professional educator of hazardous materials emergency response and safety. He cared deeply about his students and found creative ways of teaching and making learning fun. He respected his colleagues and thought highly of all his many friends. He has resided in San Luis Obispo County for the past 37 years.
Dieter loved spending time with his family, working in his garden, keeping up on German soccer, vacationing in Hawaii, taking pictures of sunsets, and walking around Atascadero Lake visiting with the animals. He particularly had a passion for the bald eagle which symbolizes strength, courage and freedom.
Dieter is survived by his wife Jeanette; his son Brian (Janene); daughters Monika Pock (Alex) and Susan Savino (Pete); 6 grandchildren Courtney, Scott, Mikayla, Nicholas, Zachary and Carson; and family in Germany.
A memorial service and celebration of his life was held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Pismo Beach pier. His ashes were scattered by airplane off the California Central Coast in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
A memorial bench and plaque have been placed on the Pismo Beach Pier Boardwalk in Dieter's honor. Other memorials are being planned. If you wish to donate, please contact the family.
Would you like to send condolences to Dieter's family? Click below to View the Service Information, Sign the Guestbook or share a special story about Dieter Heinz.
Service Information
Memorial Gathering
April 16, 2011
1:00 PM
Pismo Beach Pier
Pismo Beach, CA
Would you like to send condolences to Dieter's family? Click below to Sign the Guestbook or share a special story about Dieter Heinz by clicking Share A Memory.
Dieter, we can´t forget you. We are missing you so much! Rest in peace!
we love you! Tante Hilde, Berthold, Margret and Anja (Germany)
I had the privilege of taking two or three weeks worth of Hazmat classes from Dr. Dieter Heinz. He was the most down-to-earth instructor with a way of making you feel at-ease with difficult subjects. It is with great sorrow to learn of his passing. I give thanks to his family for giving up their time with him while he traveled across the country, training people like me.
- Fort Smith , AR - Student Apr 30, 2012
That nobody will be able to hear "BOOM BOOM" come out of that amazing teacher again saddens me immensely! However I also am extremely greatfull for being a student at CSTI having Dieter as my HAZMAT Chemistry teacher. You will be missed but your training and safety awareess leaves a mark with all that were blessed with your presence!
Posted by: Troy Howard - San Clemente , CA - Former Student Dec 01, 2011I have known Dieter for years from the Hotzone conference. He was a well respecterd educator and an excellent mentor. His humor and teachings will be missed.
Posted by: Terry Hand - Live Oak, TX - Colleauge Oct 17, 2011Happy Father's Day Dad!!! I love and miss you so very much. Like I've written in every Father's Day card that I can remember...."you are the best Dad in the whole world!" I hope they are treating you well in Heaven. Love Always, Susan
Posted by: Susan Savino - Redondo Beach, CA - Daughter Jun 20, 2011Do you have a special story about Dieter Heinz you'd like to share? Click below to Share A Memory.
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From Dieter’s wife Jeanette:
To all of you who have posted so many nice words here on this Website, I Thank You so much. I have read each and every one, many times over! I also thank those who have sent cards, pictures and memorials. I never realized how much these kind words would help, but they certainly do. He cared for all of you and always wanted to share with you.
To my Dieter,
It has been a year now without you.
I miss you so much. Rest now in peace, you had a
wonderful, active life and you enjoyed each day.
I ran across this poem which expresses my thoughts exactly:I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new,
I thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
I thought of you in silence,
I often speak your name,
Now, all I have is memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake,
With which I’ll never part.
God has you in His keeping,
I have YOU in my heart!
I LOVE you!
I MISS you!
Ich Liebe Dich!
Deine,
JeanetteFrom Dieter’s wife Jeanette:
To all of you who have posted so many nice words here on this Website, I Thank You so much. I have read each and every one, many times over! I also thank those who have sent cards, pictures and memorials. I never realized how much these kind words would help, but they certainly do. He cared for all of you and always wanted to share with you.
To my Dieter,
It has been a year now without you.
I miss you so much. Rest now in peace, you had a
wonderful, active life and you enjoyed each day.
I ran across this poem which expresses my thoughts exactly:I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new,
I thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
I thought of you in silence,
I often speak your name,
Now, all I have is... READ MORE →Posted by Jeanette Heinz from Atascadero, CA - Wife on April 16, 2012Comments
Posted by Glettenberg from Gelsenkirchen - family on May 13, 2012It´s not possible to forget my big brother Dieter. We all are missing him so much and are thinking of him all the time.
Wir lieben Dich, Dieter.
Margret, Tante Hilde, Berthold und AnjaLiebe Jeanette, ein wundervolles Gedicht! Alles Liebe für Dich und Deine Familie!
It´s not possible to forget my big brother Dieter. We all are missing him so much and are thinking of him all the time.
Wir lieben Dich, Dieter.
Margret, Tante Hilde, Berthold und AnjaLiebe Jeanette,... READ MORE →
Comment →
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Brian & Family, my most sincere condolences. Dieter, was truly a wonderful soul who shared a passion that will forever live within me. I must say I mention his name allot when incidents arise or old stories. Everything he taught us at twentynine palms marine corps base back in 1991 has stayed with me much like everyone else said here already, more than any other instructor I know. His voice and humor alone is a great memory as well, especially when he use to call me "Dr. Bush". Dieter actually made my anxiety learning college base chemistry really allot of fun. From the famous sniff test formula to the famous fellow volkswagen stories, to my true test of bucket chemistry of mixing a peroxide with a hydrocarbon. I remember soo much from those classes and rely on them everyday for guidance. Dieter & Brain and CSTI will always hold a special place in my life as a firm foundation of proper response and field identification as well as proper safety dealing with chemicals. Brian, I remember jumping up and down when you told me I passed 1B, I was soo excited, I really felt I had a grip on the alkane and salts and non salts etc.. it made me feel empowered to do better and learn my job. Brian & family Your Father was so brilliant at taking a tough subject matter and making it so easy to understand, that it becomes like second nature, if I could only be half as good as he was teaching a class i would be thrilled. Now as a Captain of a 2 crews and responding to everything from Aircraft crashes to HazMat response, I lean on that information given to me by him allot. I would like to say thank you for taking the time to teach and give to others somtething so powerful as knowledge and empowerment which I feel is truly one of the most noble things to do with ones life. It is a great day for chemistry indeed and lets not forget a lil bucket chemistry. May God bless you on your way to his arms and may you rejoice in knowing you gave this world your gift, and that was your knowledge and passion of something that changed lives everyday. My love and respect to your family during this most difficult time. Respectfully, Captain Joel T. Bush Crash Crew Division Federal Fire Department San Diego, NASNI, Ca
Brian & Family, my most sincere condolences. Dieter, was truly a wonderful soul who shared a passion that will forever live within me. I must say I mention his name allot when incidents arise or old stories. Everything he taught us at twentynine palms marine corps base back in 1991 has stayed with me much like everyone else said here already, more than any other instructor I know. His voice and humor alone is a great memory as well, especially when he use to call me "Dr. Bush". Dieter actually made my anxiety learning college base chemistry really allot of fun. From the famous sniff test formula to the famous fellow volkswagen stories, to my true test of bucket chemistry of mixing a peroxide with a hydrocarbon. I remember soo much from those classes and rely on them everyday for guidance. Dieter & Brain and CSTI will always hold a... READ MORE →
Posted by Joel Bush
from Santee, CA - Student
on
April 19, 2011
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There are so many stories from a friendship that started over 22 years ago, but here goes:
1. I remember a guy with two broken ankles teaching in high top tennis shoes. We spent a day on the water on a weekend break and he wanted to waterski (the Heineken talking) Then he took third place in the body beautiful contest at the Prop Stop.
2. I remember a class in Shreveport where Dieter introduced me to the pleasures of Escargot! I have enjoyed this dish ever since!
3. I remember him shooting me with rubber bands during the Operating Sight Practices IP at the National Fire Academy (everyone in the class was involved!).
4. I remember helping Dieter perform some of his chemical demonstrations at a conference in Baton Rouge and a couple of the demos were a little too energetic! We left several holes in the parking lot and set off all of the car alarms!
5. I remember going shopping with Dieter prior to a Chem III class and we were stopped and questioned by the local police because someone overheard us talking about things going boom!
6. I remember my wife & I meeting him for dinner in New Orleans. The conversation was so stimulating that my wife talked about it for weeks. We have had the pleasure many times.
I have many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever!
Bob Darcey
There are so many stories from a friendship that started over 22 years ago, but here goes:
1. I remember a guy with two broken ankles teaching in high top tennis shoes. We spent a day on the water on a weekend break and he wanted to waterski (the Heineken talking) Then he took third place in the body beautiful contest at the Prop Stop.
2. I remember a class in Shreveport where Dieter introduced me to the pleasures of Escargot! I have enjoyed this dish ever since!
3. I remember him shooting me with rubber bands during the Operating Sight Practices IP at the National Fire Academy (everyone in the class was involved!).
4. I remember helping Dieter perform some of his chemical demonstrations at a conference in Baton Rouge and a couple of the demos were a little too energetic! We left several holes in the parking lot and set off all... READ MORE →
Posted by Bob Darcey from New Orleans, LA - Friend/Co-instructor on April 14, 2011 -
I am a better person today knowing Dieter. He was a man that was full of life and he passed it on to others in the classroom and on the training field. When we brought Dieter and his son, Brian to Cody Fire School not only did he teach a great class, he also taught us how to eat crawfish and drink Jagermeister. After the school was over Brian taught us to catch lake trout in Carl Butler's boat on the Buffalo Bill Resevoir. Dieter will be missed by a lot of students and close friends. Our prayers are with you, and God Bless you.
Posted by Tony Martoglio from Cody, WY - Close friend and fellow instructor on April 14, 2011 -
We have all lost a dear friend with Dieter's passing.Dieter's entry into the fire service began when I was Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo and Dieter was working as a contractor for the Public Works Department. The Fire Department was working on a plan to improve its hazardous material response capability and I heard about Dieter from the P.W. Department Head. He raved about Dieter and the work he was doing. I met Dieter and we developed a plan where he would attend a couple of courses at the National Fire Academy, he would ride with our companies to learn their operation at an incident, and would respond to incidents as the Plans Section Chief on H/M incidents. Dieter never ceased to amaze all of us...on the incident scene, in the class-room,or when having a little Chevas. Dieter was so proud when I presented him a San Luis Obispo F.D. badge to wear on his belt, identifying him as our Fire Chemist. Thus began his wonderful affiliation with the fire service. In my 45 years in the fire service, I have never met a man that had a more respected relationship with fire-fighters across this great nation than Dieter held with all of us that were lucky enough to know him. Truly...he "made his mark" in our hearts and minds. He is one of a kind...very special. Goodbye dear friend, you will be very missed.
We have all lost a dear friend with Dieter's passing.Dieter's entry into the fire service began when I was Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo and Dieter was working as a contractor for the Public Works Department. The Fire Department was working on a plan to improve its hazardous material response capability and I heard about Dieter from the P.W. Department Head. He raved about Dieter and the work he was doing. I met Dieter and we developed a plan where he would attend a couple of courses at the National Fire Academy, he would ride with our companies to learn their operation at an incident, and would respond to incidents as the Plans Section Chief on H/M incidents. Dieter never ceased to amaze all of us...on the incident scene, in the class-room,or when having a little Chevas. Dieter was so proud when I presented him a San Luis Obispo... READ MORE →
Posted by Dick Minor from Loveland, CO - Friend and Professional Colleague on April 14, 2011 -
Dieter and I took on many of the challenges to the need for keeping chemical knowledge (technical content) high in a number of standards that we worked on. We were both anxious to drive our students to a be inquisitive and continue to pursue the whys and wherefores of chemistry. What was achieved was a direct reflection of Dieter's tenacity, drive and love for knowledge. He will be missed.
Posted by Manny Ehrlich from Montville, NJ - Colleague on April 13, 2011 -
To the family members of Mr. Dieter Heinz, I envy you, not over the passing of Dieter but for the life and times you have had to share with him. Over the years and two different degrees I have had over 100 instructors or professors for numerous classes. Most of whom I must strain to remember and much of what was covered has long been forgotten. Not so with Dieter. Any of my collegues need only mention his name or even mention Haz-Mat classes and his face immediately jumps into my mind and his voice immediately can be heard in my ears explaining the dangers of a harmless bottle of pickric acid when it sits too long and crystalizes. And thats from classes I had with him 20 years ago.
He was one of the few instructors I have ever had that would actually enjoy sitting down with his students to a lunch of pizza and beer and talking to us as friends. Once you got to know him you realized he taught Haz-mat because he really did care about those of us who put ourselves in harms way. When people talk to others about a class they have had it usually goes something like, "I had this class on bla bla bla and the instructor was, uh uh so and so". When people talk to someone about a class they had with Dieter it starts with, "I have a friend who teaches the Haz-Mat classes".
He would tell stories of haz-mat incidents that always seem to have a hidden message that highlighted the importants of what he was teaching. His teachings gave me the knowledge and confidence in my skills to disobey a direct order (twice) from my immediate supervisor to go into a confined basement full of H2S gas, to "check out a mysterious odor".
So, to those members of his family, please be proud of the fact that there are untold numbers of emergency responders who are alive and uninjured because of his teachings. He will be missed. And to Brian who has chosen to follow in Dieters footsteps. He has left quite a legacy to follow, and you are doing a great job of continuing where Dieter left off. Our job continues to get more dangerous and we need all the expert help we can get. I thank the members of his family for sharing him with us. Those of us who have known him will always remember. "No Bucket Chemistry".
Kevin Ward, Redding Fire Department, Redding CA
To the family members of Mr. Dieter Heinz, I envy you, not over the passing of Dieter but for the life and times you have had to share with him. Over the years and two different degrees I have had over 100 instructors or professors for numerous classes. Most of whom I must strain to remember and much of what was covered has long been forgotten. Not so with Dieter. Any of my collegues need only mention his name or even mention Haz-Mat classes and his face immediately jumps into my mind and his voice immediately can be heard in my ears explaining the dangers of a harmless bottle of pickric acid when it sits too long and crystalizes. And thats from classes I had with him 20 years ago.
He was one of the few instructors I have ever had that would... READ MORE →
Posted by Kevin Ward from Redding, CA - Friend / Student on April 10, 2011 -
Brian, my condolences to you and your family for this sudden loss. The world will miss this wonderful instructor and beautiful person. I so enjoyed working with Dieter, listening to his clever instructional methodology. He had a real knack for getting his points across in a way that would surely be remembered by his students and fellow instructors. I use to love traveling with him, listening to him pontificate, especially at meals with all of us fellow instructors watching him enjoy his food, especially when we were in New Orleans. And I thoroughly enjoyed his hospitality towards my wife and I when we were in San Luis Obispo.
May the Good Lord be with all of you at this time.Pat Walsh
Washington DC Fire and EMS Department (Ret.)Posted by Pat Walsh from Murrells Inlet, SC - Fellow Instructor and Traveler on April 09, 2011 -
I have had the pleasure of being a student of Dieter several times as a student and associate.
I was impressed by his nexpertise and ability to teach people how to safely manage aspects of hazardous materials emergencies.... God only knows how many lives he has saved lives by teaching the correct and safest way to get the job done. his sense of humor helped impart the subject matter.
I have read that the best way for immortality is to teach, for what you say will be passed down through generations yet to come....
I look forward to someday sharing a smile and a joke with Dieter in Heaven.
Jamesn Anderson
CSTI Outreach Instructor
McClellan AFB Fire Dept. retiredPosted by James "jim" Anderson from Orangevale, CA - Student on April 08, 2011 -
Dieter always met you with a great smile. He always had time for everyone and he always made you feel welcome. He will be dearly missed and I would like to send my sincere condolences to Brian and all of the family.It is a sad day for Chemistry.
God Bless,
Sincerely,
John J. Boshell
Posted by John J. Boshell from Redding , CA - Friend, Student on April 08, 2011 -
The world will never truly comprehend the impact my brother made! Dieter has made this world a safer, happier and more loving place than anyone can imagine. I've never seen a greater, more caring instructor in my 41 years in the emergency response profession. To all, please keep this in mind - "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die!" There is now and always be apart of Dieter Heinz in everyone he has ever met. With that said - a part of Dieter will live on "FOREVER" in all us. My God bless my sister-in-law, my two nieces and my nephew. To my brother, Dieter - rest now my friend, we'll take it from here! Love; Darrel
Posted by Darrel "Ragin Cajun" Begnaud from Pueblo, CO - brother on April 08, 2011Comments
Posted by Lee Blevins from Atascadero, CA - Friend on April 12, 2011I have have been a friend of Deiter for about 28 years and will miss him very much.
I wish his family enough of everything.
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In the late 1990's as the Assistant Fire Chief in charge of training, I brought Deiter in for a refresher class to all Edwards AFB Fire Dept. HazMat Technicians. We went up to Fire Station 5 (the hazmat station) and Deiter brought some props with him. The one I remember the most was the Sodium metal. We sat up a 10 gallon metal can, he took out a block that looked like clay (greyish), it was wet with an inhibitor. He took out his pocket knife, the clas moved in close and he said you might want to move back. He sliced off a sliver and tossed it ito the can and backed away quickly. --- Varoom --- it went and then proceeded with teh class. This made such an impact that the class was intrigued for the remainder of the class. I loved it, and some of the students still remind me of that day and ask "we wish we could get another class like that".
In the late 1990's as the Assistant Fire Chief in charge of training, I brought Deiter in for a refresher class to all Edwards AFB Fire Dept. HazMat Technicians. We went up to Fire Station 5 (the hazmat station) and Deiter brought some props with him. The one I remember the most was the Sodium metal. We sat up a 10 gallon metal can, he took out a block that looked like clay (greyish), it was wet with an inhibitor. He took out his pocket knife, the clas moved in close and he said you might want to move back. He sliced off a sliver and tossed it ito the can and backed away quickly. --- Varoom --- it went and then proceeded with teh class. This made such an impact that the class was intrigued for the remainder of the class. I loved it, and some of the students... READ MORE →
Posted by Monte Congleton from Lancaster, CA - Retired Assistant Fire Chief Edwards AFB Fire Department on April 08, 2011Comments
Posted by bill wilson from garden grove, CA - student on April 08, 2011I worked for Monte at Edward's, and went through A-B week terrified but only for the first couple of day's Dieter's style and knowledge put me at ease and since then i have always tried to learn something new each day. I became a DOD Hazmat Instructor, State Outreach Instructor. I retired in 2010 and I now work as an Asst. Chief for the largest theme park is Southern Califonia.
I worked for Monte at Edward's, and went through A-B week terrified but only for the first couple of day's Dieter's style and knowledge put me at ease and since then i have always tried... READ MORE →
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i forgot to add we will a miss a great day for chemistry.
on saturday those of who can not make to the pier raise a glass or bottle of n c h p.
Posted by George Mochizuki
on
April 08, 2011
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It takes an intelligent person to know a subject well.
It takes a genius to know a subject soooo well that he can teach it to someone else.My first week of HazMat A was expected to be one of the most nerve-wracking I had ever experienced in all of my formal schooling. I was not sleeping, fretting about how awful it was going to be.
It was amazing. It was fun. A subject that I abandoned years ago in high school was now one of my favorite subjects. Thanks to Dieter Heinz.
Being an educator myself, I can appreciate how hard it is to take complex information and package it in a way that the simplest of us can understand. Thank you Dieter.
I feel for those who will never experience his wit, his knowledge and his passion for the subject.
RIPPosted by John Kelso from Chico, CA - Student (struggling) on April 07, 2011 -
I enjoyed my time so much with the entire Heinz family. When Monika, Susan and I were in college, Mr. and Mrs. Heinz would have me up to their house for dinner. One night was very special to the group, because Monika was bringing a new boyfriend to the house, and Mr. Heinz seemed to want everything to go really well. Well, the flames on the BBQ that evening got a little out of hand, and Mr. Heinz burned the ends of his eyebrows, and his face turned a little red from the lid being removed off of the BBQ and a flame roaring out. We all didn't know this, and I blurted out (not very polite, right???), "Mr. Heinz, what happened to your face!!!" Well, he covered it well, and I found out later what had happened regarding the BBQ.
It really affected me how much Mr. Heinz loved his daughters and wanted all to be as perfect as possible for Monika's new friend to meet the family. The idea that we wanted all to be so wonderful for Moni was so touching! I am so sorry for the family's loss, and am so lucky to have met him. He was very special, and he must have been a good father. His two daughters are my two best friends. By the way, that boyfriend of Monika's mentioned in this story is Moni's husband of many years and my good friend of 20 years, Alex Pock!!!
I love you Mr. Heinz!
You will be missed! Jennifer Parsons
I enjoyed my time so much with the entire Heinz family. When Monika, Susan and I were in college, Mr. and Mrs. Heinz would have me up to their house for dinner. One night was very special to the group, because Monika was bringing a new boyfriend to the house, and Mr. Heinz seemed to want everything to go really well. Well, the flames on the BBQ that evening got a little out of hand, and Mr. Heinz burned the ends of his eyebrows, and his face turned a little red from the lid being removed off of the BBQ and a flame roaring out. We all didn't know this, and I blurted out (not very polite, right???), "Mr. Heinz, what happened to your face!!!" Well, he covered it well, and I found out later what had happened regarding the BBQ.
It really affected... READ MORE →
Posted by Jennifer Parsons from Wake Forest, NC - Friend on April 07, 2011 -
I will always remember Dieter for his generosity and selfless devotion to first responders. As a college professor I use his 5 step method. He not only gave me permission to use it he gave me the updated version. I will miss drinking Heineken at the Continuing Challenge.
Posted by Jerry D. Earley, M.A., CIH, REHS from Covina, CA - Friend and Student on April 07, 2011 -
Dieter made learning a true joy. I have never had a teacher like him and I have had many teachers. His love for teaching was a true inpiration for me. He inspired the un inspireable. When they made Deiter they truly broke the mold.
Posted by Paul Shepherd from Carlsbad, CA - pupil on April 07, 2011
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