Obituary of Louis Heit

Louis Heit

September 6, 1919 - October 3, 2017

Resident of Santa Cruz

Friends and family will gather on Monday in Soquel to say farewell to devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, and trusted friend, Louis Heit who passed away in Santa Cruz at the age of 98 with his loving family at his bedside. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Heit served his country in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant under General Patton. After the war, he moved to Los Angeles for the weather where he met the love of his life Ruth Johnson, who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion; an all-black battalion of the Woman's Army Corps. They were married in Los Angeles and raised their five children there. Mr. Heit earned his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, and spent most of his working life in data processing, retiring from Cedars Sinai Medical Center as a research center manager. After retirement, he moved to Santa Cruz in 1987 and was part of the California Grey Bears organization where he volunteered for more than 15 years, and he treasured the many friendships forged there over the years.

Lou and Ruth Heit were active in the progressive movement in Los Angeles and spoke out in support of civil rights, fair labor practices and social equity. Lou's strong spirit and determination to make a better world are as much a part of his legacy as his family. .

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law; Gary and Jennifer Heit of Woodside, CA; Alan and Charlene Heit of Santa Cruz, CA; Gail Heit (Eric) of Santa Cruz, CA; Karen Heit and Joe Zuk of Los Angeles, CA; Lori (Heit) and Jose-Luis Amaut of Cusco Peru. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Mr. Heit was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Edith Heit in January 2016, and his oldest son, Eric Heit in April 2017.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at Beit Olam Cemetery on the Soquel Cemetery grounds (550 Old San Jose Road) beginning at 1 p.m. Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to California Grey Bears (2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95065)