In Memoriam
WSU, CAHNRS mourn friend, benefactor Ed Heinemann
WSU and CAHNRS lost a longtime friend and benefactor May 28, 2009, with the death of Edward Heinemann, a leader in Washington State’s horse racing industry.
Edward Heinemann |
“Ed Heinemann truly made a difference in the lives of numerous students studying animal sciences, in the research conducted at our Lind Field Station, and in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences,” said CAHNRS Dean Dan Bernardo. “Few, if any, had more Coug spirit than Ed. His generosity will have a positive impact on agriculture in this state and beyond, today and well into the future.”
Born in 1917 in Ritzville, Wash., Heinemann came to WSU to pursue a degree in animal science. It was there he met his wife, Arlene. Married in 1941, they were together nearly 60 years until Arlene’s death, and raised two sons: Russell, a WSU alumnus, and Dale, a University of Puget Sound graduate.
“Uncle Ed” graduated in 1939, and went on to serve in the Army Air Corps and as the WSU Extension agent in Lincoln County, coordinating 4-H programs. Later, he spent 28 years as field secretary to the Washington Horse Breeders Association and then as director of the Washington Horse Racing Commission.
Heinemann was an active alumnus of WSU. He served as president of the Seattle Cougar Club, vice president of the WSU Alumni Board and president of the Lariat Club, which is now known as Block and Bridle. He was a founding member of the Howard Hackedorn Scholarship, which supports students majoring in animal sciences.
Just last year, he announced creation of the Edward and Arlene Heinemann Lind Dryland Research Endowment. Upon his passing, proceeds from the sale of his Olympia home will go to the Lind Station as well as to the Edward and Arlene Heinemann Animal Sciences Endowment.