Hooky bobbing in government camp after a hard day of skiing,   He was a good friend and a good soul, Until we  Ski Again, God-bless,

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn just yesterday that Mike had passed almost a year ago in a motorcycle accident. Mike and I had lost touch a couple of years after I left the sheriffs office for an out of state law enforcement job but on my trips back to Portland I always inquired about him when I ran across a Deputy.  It was through these contacts that I learned of his Parkinsons diagnosis and retirement so yesterday when I saw Bret Elliot yesterday I wanted to get Mikes number but was informed of the sad news. Mike was a great friend to me during our time together at the sheriffs office, we partnered together for a couple of years as River Patrol Deputies and always had a great time. Mike and I loved excitement, so we had a great time working together.

Mike is someone my wife, and I have always fondly talked about regarding or time in Portland, and I am grateful I was able to know him.  My sincere condolences go to his family who I know he loved very much through our many conversations during our patrols.  Mike was a great partner and friend I will miss him.  


Mike was certainly no wall flower! He was outgoing and gregarious, and with his trademark grin, ruddy complexion and supreme self-confidence, he could instantly draw anyone or everyone into his orbit. Yet he was also not afraid to bare his soul and talk about his personal life and his concerns for the future.

He livened up the Parkinson's boot camp workouts by making witty, off the wall, sometimes bawdy comments out of the blue that would have everyone laughing.

He made me feel good by calling me Adonis, even though I'm no Adonis. 

He would often face me during a workout and suddenly make some split-second maneuver which would leave me with my arm twisted up behind my back or me on the ground, as he demonstrated his police training.

It was one of those strange contradictions that a person with Parkinson's like Mike, who sometimes had difficulty walking, could jump rope as well as Muhammad Ali. Forwards, backwards, crossing arms. Impressive, and he was proud of it.

He loved his children deeply and often told me how proud he was of them. After a workout, I would sometimes ask him what he was up to that evening. With a happy smile, he would say, Got my kids tonight.

Mike had a real zest for life and liked to push the envelope. I've met a lot of people in my time, especially during the years I spent crisscrossing the world, but I've met only a few persons I would call truly unforgettable. Mike was one.

We were very sad to hear about Mike's death.  He was a great guy, and our hearts go out to Kathleen, Kennedy, and Mac.  

All our love,

Kathy & Glenn Rogers

At BG boot camp we shared many dances, stories, laughs and who could sing the rock song the loudest while working out. You always stood out, in your own way when working out, never exactly following the direction given. I can see you rocking out to your music with a huge smile on your face. Your attempted gruff exterior just held your very kind and gentle heart inside. There is a hole in my heart without you my dear sweet friend. May you fly fast with your angel wings, and ski the clouds with wild abandon. You are missed and always will be, you are one of a kind. My sympathy to your friends and family.

We were so saddened to hear of Mike's passing.  What a great guy! He always had a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. He became a customer of ours while on the force and then continued to stop by for lunch as the years went by.  We saw him just a short time ago when he stopped in for a bite to eat, arriving by motorcycle of course. We will miss you friend. From all of us at the Dockside Saloon & Restaurant.

So grateful for having known Mike's energy and larger-than-life spirit. He was a loyal supporter of his fellow RSB fighters, and we will miss him. Sympathy and condolences to his family.

WE LOVED YOU MIKE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED..
ROGER AND CAROL SMITH

Mike...Here's to an inspirational life, and the great memories we are now sharing will forever be in the hearts of the many people your life touched.

Mike was always kind to me and genuinely cared. Rest in peace, my friend. You touched people'say lives in a positive way.

You will always be a great guy...Peace and Love to you and your family:)

Mike was one of the few people I've met whom I would call unique. I'll remember his lust for life in the face of challenges, and his ability to make friends wherever he went.

Mikey, We had a lot of good times and good laughs in the PD boot camp. We worked hard, played hard, and laughed hard. You were always an 'all or nothing' kind of guy, giving it your all, often in your own style. Your big heart was easy to see underneath your tough exterior. It is so sad to see you go, but I'm glad it was while you were doing something you really liked doing. You will be missed by many and it will be strange to carry on without you. We will always have the fun times to replay in our memories. Thanks for your friendship.

His last breath on earth was his first breath in Heaven. 
We will miss sweet Mike in our class, cheering on the others as he always did. 
He will always be a Rose City Rebel. 
God's blessings to his family

OBITUARY

Michael Vincent Heffernan Jr.

May 26, 1963 – August 19, 2016

Zeller Chapel of the Roses

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