In memoriam: Alan E. Heller

Dear Baroque Boot Camp Participants,

I am very sorry tell you that Alan Heller passed away last month. His wife sent me an e-mail shortly after it happened, saying that they were both looking forward to coming back to Seattle this summer. Flute players will remember Alan as the very enthusiastic player who was equally at ease discussing baroque music and recordings, flutes, woodworking, keyboard instruments, and ballroom dancing. He was one of the few people who didn't cringe at the prospect of learning the tango at last year's workshop. And he always tried to do whatever any of the teachers asked of him, and was eager to learn as much as possible during the week. He will be missed.

Below is the obituary from the local New Jersey newspaper (they unfortunately spelled his name wrong in the heading).


Allen E. Heller
EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ Alan E. Heller, 56, formerly of Gettysburg, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2008, at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point, N.J. Born in Gettysburg, he was formerly of Somers Point, N.J., and a resident of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., for three years. Mr. Heller worked as a self employed Cabinet Maker. He was a member of St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Ocean City, N.J., where he was in the Adult Choir and Handbell Choir and was a member of the Organ Historical Society. Mr. Heller enjoyed ballroom dancing and was a talented pipe organ builder and refurbisher. He had built a harpsichord and played the Baroque Flute. Mr. Heller was an accomplished gardener and arborist. Surviving are his parents, Clark and Eleanor Heller; his wife, Kathy Heller of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; a son, Paul Heller of Marietta; two brothers, Mark Heller and his wife, Dixie of York, and Jesse Heller and his wife, Carol of Landisville; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and his dogs, Sun and Star. A Service of Memory and Love will be offered Saturday at 2 p.m. from St. Peter's United Methodist Church, Eighth St. at Central Ave., Ocean City, N.J., where friends may call from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private. The family suggests those who desire send memorial contributions to either The American Cancer Society, 626 North Shore Road, Absecon, NJ 08201; or St. Peter's United Methodist Church Organ Fund, 501 E. Eighth St., Ocean City, NJ 08226. To email condolences, visit ww.godfreyfuneralhome.com