John C. Heathfield

John C. Heathfield, 61, of Novi, Michigan, was called home to Heaven on October 23, 2019. Dear son of the late Robert Heathfield and Catherine Heathfield (Fanning). Beloved husband of Nancy for 37 years. Loving Father of Michelle (Matt) Leon, Daniel and Jennifer Heathfield. Proud Grandpa of Riley and Bradley Leon. Dear brother of Susan Heathfield, Barbara Heathfield, Patricia Trainor, Mary Ann Heathfield, Richard Heathfield and the late Robert Heathfield. John leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John was born on February 14, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up on Piedmont Street in Rosedale Park with his parents, siblings, Uncle Dick and Grandma Heathfield. He attended St. Monica Catholic Grade School and Redford High School where he acquired many lifelong friends. He then enrolled at Wayne State University for his Bachelor’s degree going on to pursue a Master’s at Madonna University. John’s career began humbly as an order selector at Farmer Jack. His tireless effort was awarded with a promotion to dispatcher, during which time he completed his studies at Wayne State. John was quickly promoted to Transportation Manager, ending as VP of Operations when Farmer Jack finally closed its doors in 2007. In 2017, John would retire as Senior VP of Operations at Lipari Foods. In 1981, John was blessed to marry the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Malecki. His first child Michelle was born later that same year, his second, Daniel following in 1987. Just two short years later, John’s attention would be split between the birth of his beloved daughter Jennifer, and the captivating playoff run of his Detroit Pistons. John was foremost a husband and father; he loved his family fiercely. John’s family would follow his real estate acumen across Michigan from Redford to Livonia, landing for a time in Novi, MI. Thankfully, the culmination of these efforts brought he and Nancy to a beautiful home on Walled Lake. John joyfully spent over three decades of his best years exploring the natural beauty of the state of Michigan with a loving extended family. In Luzerne Michigan, supported by Elsner and Bros., John helped his best friends and family, Nancy, Alan, Terry, Ted and Gert, build a humble three bedroom cottage on a branch of the cold-but-mighty Au-Sable River. The cottage was an oasis for a hectic life, a long drive through picturesque forest and over a hand-built bridge into a wonderful retreat. Eventually, in search of warmer waters, John inspired the whole extended family to commission a new property on East Twin Lake before ending their summer-house journey on George Lake. John counted himself lucky to have many friends, but the truth is his friends gravitated toward his relentless, positive, larger than life energy. Bowling leagues kept him close to those important to him. John had a love-hate relationship with golf (as we all do). Golf was a true passion of his life spending many years alongside close friends sharing in the humility of the game. He was an avid fan of Detroit sports, although he would occasionally distance himself from the Lions in order to preserve his sanity. He found respite riding his Harley, boating, fishing up north, and spending time with family and friends. His life was punctuated with classic rock music and a massive hat collection. John’s favorite things were often simple; a plate of pappardelle at Mama Mias, a hot fudge sundae from DQ. We know that John was a voracious reader, but it might surprise some to know that John wrote beautiful poetry. The last stanza of John’s life was truly blessed. He was an unwavering Christian, and a proud American, ever grateful for the freedom and opportunity this life provided. We are thankful that in his departure he was enveloped by the true love of his life Nancy, three wonderful children, and two little grandchildren; whom made him immensely proud. The Lord called him home, but his character is forever imprinted on our souls. Please share a memory of John on his Tribute Wall