Robert Louis Heinrichs

Robert “Bob” was born on June 12, 1933 in Edgewood, Pennsylvania to Richard Grant and Elizabeth Electa Heinrichs. He was raised with his sister Constance and brother Richard. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Holly Beth, his parents Richard and Elizabeth, and his sister Constance Durant.

In 1955, Bob graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, he was employed by Shell Oil Company in Louisiana for 12 years. Bob then moved to Texas, and with one small loan began his entrepreneurial career in land investment and development, which was the beginning of his successful real estate portfolio.

Bob’s love of life took him on many adventures. His mantra and self-imposed mission came from Charles Fillmore (cofounder of Unity), who Bob quoted often and to anyone who would join in his fun. “I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forward with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me.” Some of his zeal showed up when he was water or snow skiing or roaming the mountains in Colorado on a mountain bike. Bob had great memories of traveling around the world with his son Hadley on scuba diving excursions and in later years flying to the beach together with Hadley as his pilot.

In 1994, Bob met his wife Susan, who was by his side for the rest of his journey. Their relationship had a solid foundation based on living a joyous life, faith in God, and practicing Unity truths and wisdom. Together they built several homes, including their mountain retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado, where they also served at Unity of Vail. They agreed early in the marriage that their mission as a couple was to support the growth and development of Unity Church of the Hills. They played a major role in finding the property, building “the arch”, and supporting the planning and building of the campus. Bob and Susan’s love for UCOH showed up in many ways, with two favorites being the Youth and Family Ministry and the Music Ministry. Bob served in the children’s church as an angel volunteer in the toddler-three-year-old class for over a decade. He donated the children’s playground equipment and was responsible for clearing much of the property. The children used to see him from the window and say, “There goes Tractor Bob!”

Bob “Pops” loved young people of all ages, which gave him the opportunity to express his joy and exuberance for life. He loved giving of himself and supporting young people (0–50 years old) anytime there was a need. His one request remained the same, “Don’t pay me back, pay it forward.” Bob was especially attached to his favorite music group of young people, Celebration from Unity, where he also played the role of “Pops” to some of its members. His support of the music team was one of his favorite causes. Bob was many things to many people, a wonderful partner, father, brother, friend, and mentor. His mentoring led to an extended adopted family that includes people from around the world. Many went on to become empowered leaders, acknowledging the role “Pops” played in their success.

Bob’s consistent “Pay it Forward” philosophy was the basis for abundance and promoting an attitude of giving. He and Susan supported many causes to fulfill their commitment and mission to serve. Some of those who benefited from Bob’s generosity are: The Wounded Warrior Project – His desire to help Veterans returning from service was demonstrated by his contributions to provide artificial limbs to those who served our country; Brooke Army Medical Center Burn Unit; ArtEsteem – Attitudinal Healing Connection in Oakland, California, helping children overcome abuse through art; University of Texas scholarship program for minority students; Capital Area Food Bank of Austin; Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; Peripheral Neuropathy Research Foundation; and Unity Church of the Hills. His one-on-one demonstration of giving happened often during shopping outings. Bob would see someone in need and find a way to pay for their groceries anonymously. Or he would take a bag of groceries to someone standing on a corner asking for help. Bob was a shining example of a generous heart. His attitude about life and giving was a true reflection of his spiritual path.

Those left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his wife Susan; son Hadley; brother Richard and family; stepson Shane; grandchildren Cheyenne and Jimmie; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Plus members of his adopted extended family, which include Roderick, Kelley, James, John, Eric and Karen, and many others. To those who loved him so, while we will miss him, this is not “goodbye” as Bob’s spirit will continue to circulate and benefit generations. You are loved, Pops! And in keeping with how he would always respond, “The feeling is mutual on both sides!”

A celebration of life service will be held on March 20th, 2021 at 2pm CST at Unity Church of the Hills. Due to current Covid restrictions, detailed instructions on physical attendance will be published on the UCOH web site a few days in advance of the celebration. The current status is as follows: The outdoor Pavilion will be open for a total seating of 50 requiring masks and social distancing; The Sanctuary will be reserved for family only and the livestream celebration can be watched on the Unity Church of the Hills website. Details, information regarding attendance, and the livestream of the Service will all take place on this web page. www.unityhills.org/bob-heinrichs/

The family welcomes donations to Unity Church of the Hills instead of flowers, as an expression of celebrating Bob’s life. Donations can be made at https://pushpay.com/g/ucohlove and please enter “In memory of Bob Heinrichs” in the offering notes.