Obituary of H. Joseph Heath

CHAMPLAIN H. Joseph Heath, 76, of Point au Fer Road, Champlain, died Saturday, July 30, 2016. He was born on Oct. 29, 1939 in Schenectady, the son of Charles and Kathryn (Riggs) Heath. Joe graduated from Draper High School in Schenectady and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton. He met Martha Joan Nuttall, of Sherman, N.Y. while at college and they were married on Jan. 3, 1960. The couple moved to Chazy after Joe was hired at Ayerst Laboratories in Rouses Point, then moved to Lake Street in Rouses Point. They later built a new house on Stewart Street in that village, where they raised their two children, son, Daniel; and daughter, Jamie. He retired from Wyeth in 1994. Joe and Marty later built their new home on the shore of Lake Champlain at Point au Fer. Joe and Marty were members of the congregation at the First Presbyterian Church in Rouses Point and then at Three Steeples United Methodist Church in Champlain. Joe was a member of the Grand Lodge of New York - Free and Accepted Masons for more than 50 years, and was a member of Fraternal Lodge 155 in West Chazy. He was District Deputy Grand Warden and then elected Junior Grand Warden in the State of New York, in 1982, a few years later he obtained the 33rd degree of Freemasonry. Joe served for many years on the Board of Directors at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory in Utica, and was named a Director Emeritus earlier this year. Joe was a dedicated runner for many years and completed several marathons, including Boston. The couple hiked the entire Presidential Range in New Hampshire with four other couples in the 1970's. Joe loved the trumpet and played in dance and jazz bands throughout high school and college, including an appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with his high school band. He was also a member of the Strawhatters community band. Joe also enjoyed skiing, boating, swimming, gardening and his numerous pets. He was pre-deceased by his parents. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Martha, and his two children. Calling hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Rouses Point. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4 at Three Steeples Methodist Church on Route 11 in Champlain, followed by interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Champlain. There will be a luncheon reception at the American Legion on Pratt St. in Rouses Point following the service. Donations in his memory may be made to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, 2150 Bleecker St., Utica, N.Y., 13501 or Three Steeples Methodist Church, 491 US RT 11, Champlain, NY 12919.